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Development of the rubella vaccine and vaccination strategy in Japan

Kohji Ueda1

  • 1Seinan Jo Gakuin University, Kitakyushu, Japan.

Vaccine
|April 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Japan

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Japan's rubella vaccination program has a unique history.
  • Initial strategies involved schoolgirl vaccination and later childhood MMR vaccination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the evolution of rubella vaccination strategies in Japan.
  • To highlight the impact of vaccination program changes on rubella and congenital rubella syndrome elimination goals.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical vaccination policies and licensed rubella vaccines in Japan.
  • Analysis of vaccination program changes and their timeline.

Main Results:

  • Rubella vaccination for schoolgirls began in 1977.
  • A measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine program (1989-1993) was halted due to aseptic meningitis.
  • Monovalent rubella vaccination resumed in 1994, followed by a two-dose combined measles and rubella (MR) vaccine program in 2006.

Conclusions:

  • Japan's adaptive vaccination strategies reflect a commitment to controlling rubella.
  • The implementation of a two-dose MR vaccine program offers a strong path towards rubella and congenital rubella syndrome elimination.

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