2 Reported Deaths After Second Doses of Suspended Moderna Vaccine Supply

Japan has reported that 2 men have died after taking their second doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine supply that were later suspended. Both men died in August shortly after their second doses, according to Japan's Health Ministry.

"At this time, we do not have any evidence that these deaths are caused by the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine," Moderna and Takeda said in a statement that was reported by Reuters. "It is important to conduct a formal investigation to determine whether there is any connection."

On Thursday, the country announced it had halted the use of 1.63 million doses over claims tiny particles were found in unused vials. The suspension of the 3 lots of vaccines was a precaution.

The vaccine batches were produced by Rovi, a pharmaceutical company in Spain. The company was made aware of the particulate matter, and it is working with officials to address the matter.

“The detection of this particulate matter refers to certain vials of one product lot distributed exclusively in Japan. ROVI, as well as Moderna and Takeda, the company distributing the referred vaccine in Japan, are working with health authorities in order to clarify and solve, if applicable, this incident,” the company statement read. “The origin of this manufacturing incident may be in one of ROVI’s manufacturing lines. ROVI is working in order to provide with all the information and assistance that may be needed to progress with the investigation. As a precaution, this lot and two adjacent lots have been put on hold.”