Japan’s government is considering offering a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose for those who want to receive it as early as this summer, a local newspaper reported on Friday. An unidentified government official told Yomiuri Shimbun that Japan is able to secure sufficient vaccine supplies for individuals who wish to receive the fourth dose, given that 44 million surplus doses from the first and second vaccination programs were used for the third dose. The government intends to use COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna if the plan to roll out the fourth dose is confirmed, which could start by this summer, according to the report. Health Minister Shigeyuki Goto said that the ministry will ensure that Japan has sufficient vaccines to administer the fourth dose, though he noted that the final decision will be taken based on scientific data and how other countries respond, Japan Times reported. “In considering a …