No.114 COVID-19 vaccination begins

Vaccination, which is an important and effective measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, has begun.
The city launched the vaccination project on December 2, 2020, and began gathering information and making preparations. As the national policy was not clearly indicated and the supply of vaccines was delayed, the city's vaccination plan underwent multiple changes. In February 2021, we conducted two simulations of the vaccination site with the medical association and established and announced a hybrid vaccination system combining mass vaccination and individual vaccination, called the "Inagi City Model."
Subsequently, on April 19, 2021, we began vaccinations for medical professionals in the first priority group, and on April 26, we started accepting reservations for Older Adults aged 65 and over in the second priority group (approximately 20,000 eligible individuals). We commenced group vaccinations on May 12, 2021, and individual vaccinations on May 18, 2021.
We apologize for the inconvenience caused as the initial start of the reception saw a concentration of phone calls and internet connections, making it difficult to make reservations.
The city has been making every effort to expand the vaccination system in cooperation with the City Medical Association, City Hospital, and various medical institutions within the city. However, we recognize that there are still individuals who wish to be vaccinated but have not yet been able to make a reservation.
Please use the relatively easy-to-book internet service or continue to call the call center.
Vaccines are scheduled to be supplied sequentially in the future, and as the vaccinations progress, they will definitely reach everyone, so we kindly ask for your patience a little longer.

Vaccine Appointment Availability
The vaccination conducted in the city initially consisted of two types: "group vaccination" and "individual vaccination." However, a "large-scale individual vaccination" at Inagi Dai Hospital has been added, and separately, the "Self-Defense Forces Tokyo Large-Scale Vaccination Center" is also available.

• Group Vaccination Method
  At the Inagi City Hospital venue, the initial implementation was 48 people per day, but as soon as vaccinations for medical personnel in the city, which is the top priority, are completed, we will gradually expand the vaccination slots for citizens.
  At the Hirao Friend venue, we initially held two sessions with 120 participants each, but thanks to the cooperation of the Keiseikai Medical Corporation and Yomiuri Land Keiyu Hospital, we were able to expand the implementation dates.
  The Central Cultural Center venue and the Comprehensive Gymnasium venue will be implemented with the cooperation of the Medical Corporation Keiko-kai Minamiyama Rehabilitation Hospital (currently under construction and scheduled to open on October 1, 2021).
  Initially, there were a total of about 3,000 sessions (approximately 1,500 people) at two venues, but we have expanded the events at the Hirao venue by 4 times, added 7 sessions at the Central Cultural Center venue, and 4 sessions at the "Sougo Taiikukan" venue. As of May 18, 2021, this has been expanded to a total of about 7,500 sessions (approximately 3,750 people).
• Individual Vaccination Method
  Initially, there were 26 medical institutions (clinics, etc.) in the city, and later 2 more were added. Inagi Dai Hospital initially conducted individual vaccinations, but has since transitioned to a large-scale individual vaccination method, and currently, individual vaccinations are being conducted at 27 locations.
  We request that each medical institution in the city aim to conduct services for about 30 people per day. Based on calculations, this amounts to approximately 46,000 times (about 23,000 people), but due to individual circumstances such as facilities and personnel, there may be medical institutions that cannot process 30 people per day, so this figure is a maximum target.
• Large-scale Individual Vaccination Method
  With the cooperation of the Tokutei Medical Corporation Kenshinkai and Inagidai Hospital, this will be conducted separately from the city's mass vaccination, with an expected implementation of 2,000 doses (for 1,000 people).
• Self-Defense Forces Tokyo Large-Scale Vaccination Center
  The government has established it in Otemachi, Chiyoda Ward, and it is operated by the Self-Defense Forces. At this point, it is unclear how much it will be used by the citizens of Inagi City, but it will be implemented for 10,000 people per day.

How to Make a Vaccine Appointment

• Group Vaccination Method
  Reservations are accepted by phone at the call center or via the internet.
• Individual Vaccination Method
  Initially, appointments could only be made by phone at each medical institution, but now 19 medical institutions have made it possible to book through the city's reservation system.
• Large-scale Individual Vaccination Method
  This is a reservation from the dedicated reservation site of Inagi Dai Hospital.
• Self-Defense Forces Tokyo Large-Scale Vaccination Center
  This is a reservation from the Ministry of Defense's dedicated reservation site.

Reservation Status
As of late May 2021, we have set up reservation slots for over 90% of the eligible recipients, and we are gradually accepting reservations.
The city has been expanding the vaccination methods and venues in collaboration with the city medical association and local medical corporations, and in terms of target numbers, we have secured a supply sufficient for all individuals aged 65 and older to receive vaccinations.
We will continue to work on establishing a system that makes vaccinations more accessible, while also promoting support measures for those who have not yet made a reservation.