Thousands of Japanese companies began distributing Covid-19 vaccines to workers and their families on Monday in an employer-led drive reaching more than 13 million people that aims to rev up the nation’s slow vaccine rollout, reports The Associated Press. About 3,500 companies have signed up for the free vaccines, and that number is growing. The companies must present a plan to inoculate at least 1,000 people per site. But they decide whom to include, such as families, affiliate companies and suppliers. Universities are also eligible. Smaller companies can apply through organisations, such as the local merchant association, so ‘no one falls through the cracks’, according to the health ministry.

Among those taking part are major automaker Toyota Motor Corp., planning to vaccinate 80,000 people at its plants and offices. Fast Retailing, behind the Uniqlo clothing chain, is inoculating 18,500 people, including part-timers and cleaning and cafeteria staff, starting 1 July. Company applications for the vaccines are accepted through February 2022.

Japan is relying totally on imported vaccines for a campaign that started in February with medical professionals. About 6% of Japanese are fully vaccinated. Japan has had more than 14,000 deaths from Covid-19. For more information on Covid-19, visit SIA’s Coronavirus Resource Center.