Japan suspends 1.63M doses of Moderna over contamination

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Japan is suspending use of about 1.63 million doses of Moderna vaccine after contamination was found in some unused vials. The health ministry said the contamination was reported at multiple vaccination sites. Some doses may have been administered but no adverse health effects have been reported. The doses were produced in Spain, and the Spanish company said it was investigating the matter. The Japanese distributor Takeda Pharmaceutical suspended the doses manufactured in the same production line as a precaution and asked Moderna to investigate the problem. The suspension raises the prospect of supply problems in Japan, which is relying on three foreign-developed vaccines for its COVID-19 inoculation campaign.