Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko has asked the central government to designate police officers, firefighters and emergency workers as essential workers eligible for a fourth dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

Koike made the request at a meeting with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on Friday.

Koike is said to have told Kishida that the police and the fire department play an important role in maintaining social functions.

The health ministry initially limited the rollout of the fourth shot to people aged 60 or older, and to those aged 18 or older at high risk of becoming seriously ill. But last month the ministry decided to also provide the shots to essential workers such as medical and nursing care staff.

Koike told reporters that although new case counts in Tokyo are falling, the metropolitan government is focusing on the number of seriously ill patients.

She said she thinks the central government will grant her request.