Japan's cabinet approved a plan on Tuesday to use public funds to provide novel coronavirus vaccines to the public for free.
The plan also calls for the government to bear the cost of any health damage caused by a vaccine, according to a document posted on the health ministry's website.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has pledged to provide enough vaccines for the coronavirus for the public by mid-2021.
Japan has struck deals for hundreds of millions of doses from companies including AstraZeneca Plc and Pfizer Inc.


Philippines confirms visit by alleged Bondi gunmen amid terrorism concerns
Israeli forces kill Palestinian teen in West Bank, health ministry says
Trump sues BBC for defamation, seeks up to $10 billion in damages
FBI foils 'terror plot' targeting Los Angeles
Hong Kong court finds tycoon Jimmy Lai guilty in landmark security trial
Ukraine peace talks stretch into second day at start of pivotal week for Europe
Flash floods kill at least 37 people in Morocco's Safi province
'Hero' who disarmed Bondi gunman recovering after surgery, family says
