Japan to begin new-flu vaccine distribution next week+

TOKYO, Oct. 2 Kyodo -
Japan plans to begin the domestic distribution of new-flu vaccine next week,
with the first batch of vaccine good for 590,000 people to be shipped Oct. 9,
the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry said Friday.

About 1 million medical workers categorized as most preferred vaccination
recipients will undergo their first vaccination by mid-November, according to
the ministry.
People with underlying illnesses and pregnant women will be subject to
vaccination from November as they are prone to suffer serious symptoms from
infections.
The initial distribution will be limited, but the amount is expected to rise --
to vaccination for 4.65 million people in November and for 7.6 million people
in December, ministry officials said.
==Kyodo