First name
Tomohiro
Last name
Katsuta

Title

Comparison of immunization systems in Japan and the United States - What can be learned?

Year of Publication

2020

Date Published

2020 Sep 28

ISSN Number

1873-2518

Abstract

<p>Recently, efforts have been made to fill a so-called "vaccine gap" between Japan and other countries; however, more work remains. Concerns about adverse events following immunization (AEFI) resulted in an historically passive approach to policy making in the National Immunization Program (NIP). For example, reports of AEFI following human papillomavirus vaccine (HPVV) in 2013 led the Japanese government to withdraw its proactive recommendations, resulting in a sharp drop in HPVV coverage rate to less than 1.0%. In this report, we review key historical incidents that led to the current immunization system in Japan, compare it to that in the United States, and discuss strategies for improving the Japanese immunization system. By strengthening existing policies and programs, such as National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups and AEFI reporting, compensation laws, and immunization education, the remaining vaccine gap in Japan could be filled.</p>

DOI

10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.09.028

PMID

33004240

Title

Japanese physicians' attitudes and intentions regarding human papillomavirus vaccine compared with other adolescent vaccines.

Year of Publication

2019

Number of Pages

193-200

Date Published

2019 06

ISSN Number

2405-8521

Abstract

<p><strong>INTRODUCTION: </strong>Japan has experienced extremely low human papillomavirus vaccine (HPVV) coverage following the suspension of proactive governmental recommendations in 2013. Several studies have reported that recommendations from physicians increase adolescents' vaccine acceptance. In this survey, we evaluated the attitudes and intentions of Japanese physicians related to adolescent immunizations, particularly HPVV.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study using a mailed questionnaire targeting 330 Japanese physicians including 78 pediatricians, 225 internists and 27 obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) in Kawasaki City, Japan in 2016. The survey measured physicians' reported frequency of educating adolescents about vaccines as well as their own perceptions and intentions related to adolescent immunizations.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Valid responses were obtained from 148 (45%) physicians. Though 53% agreed that the HPVV should be recommended, only 21% reported educating about HPVV. The majority of respondents (90%) agreed that they would restart HPVV for adolescents if the government reinstated its recommendation.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>Although Japanese physicians reported support for adolescent immunizations, they were less likely to recommend or discuss HPVV compared with other adolescent vaccines. Responses indicated this was, at least in part, due to the lack of governmental support for HPVV, indicating that their recommendations would improve with government endorsement of the vaccine.</p>

DOI

10.1016/j.pvr.2019.04.013

Alternate Title

Papillomavirus Res

PMID

31051270

Title

Treatment With Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine for Juvenile-Onset Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Year of Publication

2017

Date Published

2017 Aug 08

ISSN Number

2048-7207

Abstract

<p>Although juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JoRRP) generally involves a benign tumor on the larynx and other respiratory tract areas, almost all patients with this disease require repeated surgical intervention (to prevent airway obstruction during the course of illness) and various adjuvant therapies such as interferon, cidofovir, acyclovir, ribavirin, indole-3-carbinol, HspE7, mumps vaccine, photodynamic therapy, propranolol, cimetidine, and bevacizumab. Some case reports recently described the effectiveness of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV4) as an adjuvant therapy. On the basis of these reports, we administered HPV4 to a 2-year-old boy with JoRRP. However, no therapeutic effect was found. A review of the available literature revealed that current evidence for the effectiveness of therapeutic HPV4 and other adjuvant therapies for JoRRP is inconsistent. Therefore, the prophylactic use of currently available HPV vaccine for adolescents is the most effective strategy for preventing not only anogenital cancers but also genital warts, which might be a risk factor for JoRRP among their children in the future.</p>

DOI

10.1093/jpids/pix063

Alternate Title

J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc

PMID

28992265

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