Specific Detail Info |
Objective: To study and compare the Japanese vaccine policy with the policy in the UK and to
discuss factors that may explain the gap in vaccine availability between the two countries.
Methods: We analysed approval and immunisation programme data from Japan and the UK
for 20 common vaccines, all of which were approved and available from the UK National
Health Service.
Results: Of these 20 common vaccines, only four were introduced in Japan. Of the 16 unapproved
vaccines, 11 were combination vaccines. Indications for the other five unapproved
vaccines were the prevention of infection with meningococcus (3 vaccines) and pneumococcus
(2 vaccines). Coverage of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and poliomyelitis vaccines
was similar between the two countries whereas that of measles and rubella was higher in
Japan.
Conclusions: These results show that there is still a large gap between Japan and the UK
regarding access to 20 common vaccines and immunisation programmes. The keys to closing
this gap include: (1) revision of vaccine regulations, (2) amendment of vaccine-related
laws to secure funding and cooperation between professionals and public health authorities,
and (3) improvement in the perception of vaccines among the general public and mass
media. |