Access to HPV vaccination in Japan: Increasing social trust to regain vaccine confidence. Issue 41 (1st October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kunitoki, Keiko; Funato, Masafumi; Mitsunami, Makiko; Kinoshita, Takahiro; Reich, Michael R.
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 39:Issue 41(2021)
• Page Start: 6104
• Page End: 6110
• Publication Date: 2021-10-01
• Subjects: Vaccine hesitancy -- Social trust -- Access framework -- Cervical cancer; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.08.085
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Highlights: Japan has among the world's lowest levels of confidence in the HPV vaccine. In 2013, public questions arose about possible side effects of the HPV vaccine. Japan has experienced a steep and persistent decline in HPV vaccination uptake. The barriers to HPV vaccine access and use in Japan occur mainly in adoption. We recommend specific actions for multiple stakeholders to rebuild social trust. Abstract: Vaccine hesitancy is a growing concern in global public health, and illustrates serious problems arising from loss of social trust. Japan is experiencing a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine crisis that started with a rapid decline in the vaccination rate in 2013 from approximately 70% to less than 1% and lasting for 7 years. We analyze Japan's case of vaccine hesitancy for HPV vaccine, using a framework for examining barriers to access and use of health technologies according to four categories: architecture, availability, affordability, and adoption. Significant problems were identified in the architecture of the decision-making body, public information availability, adoption of evidence in policy-making process, knowledge and confidence among providers, education to the public, and communication with end-users. We propose a series of actions to address these barriers. The national government should diversify the advisory committee to include broader scientific evidence and various viewpoints. Municipalities should actively distribute information cooperating with local providers. Professional associations should create an alliance to influence policy makers and deliver education to health care providers and end-users. Politicians should integrate opinions from citizens and scientists to implement an up-to-date policy. Civil society should share individual stories from cervical cancer patients and positive experiences of vaccinated girls. Mass media should use more diverse sources of information to report more comprehensive and science-based views. These actions would help build mutual trust among stakeholders, which is required to increase social trust in the HPV vaccine in Japan and thereby regain vaccine confidence and reduce preventable deaths and complications.