Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) formally approved two COVID-19 vaccines developed by Moderna Inc. (MRNA: NASDAQ) and AstraZeneca Plc (AZN: NASDAQ) on Friday, according to Kyodo News.

Japan decided not to include the AstraZeneca vaccine as one eligible for state-funded inoculations at a special panel meeting held on Friday morning to discuss the use of the vaccine. The temporary exclusion is due to that rare cases of blood clots following vaccination have been reported overseas.

The Moderna vaccine will be inclusive in state-funded inoculations, and people aged 18 or older, in principle, must make the "obligatory effort" to receive it.

The MHLW will continue to discuss the recommended age group for the AstraZeneca vaccine, etc. The vaccine is procured entirely by the government, so it will not reach the market even after it is officially approved. And the general public will not be able to receive it until a conclusion of efficacy is reached.