A contaminant found in a batch of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines delivered to Japan is believed to be a metallic particle
Reports from Japanese public broadcaster, NHK state that the Japanese Health Ministry detected metal particles within some Moderna viles.
Japan has now suspended the use of over 1.6 million doses of the mRNA vaccine,
The contaminated doses have been distributed to 863 vaccination centres across Japan but frustration is growing after the domestic distributor, Takeda Pharmaceutical received reports of contaminants in some vials more than a week contaminants had been detected.
The NHK report, published late on Thursday, cited ministry sources as saying the particle reacted to magnets and was therefore suspected to be a metal.
Moderna has described it as “particulate matter” that did not pose a safety or efficacy issue
The official at the health ministry said the identity of the contaminant has not been confirmed.
