To the Editor,

While Japan contributes a significant amount to UNICEF towards the elimination of measles, and their infant mortality rates are amongst the lowest in the world, children there still die from preventable diseases.  The recent outbreak of measles, as described in the news article “Japan Battles Worst Measles Outbreak in Years,” (World, February 22) is not an isolated incident and has an impact beyond the island nation. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Japan has been one of the countries most responsible for exporting measles to the U.S. over the years. If nothing else, that makes it a keen point of interest for us. Just as an individual’s choice not to get vaccinated can impact those they come in contact with, Japan’s choices can impact our nation.

The measles vaccine was first introduced in Japan in 1966, followed by the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in 1989. However, the MMR vaccine was pulled in 1993 due to unexpectedly high incidences of aseptic meningitis. This led to widespread public distrust towards vaccines which, in 1994, resulted in them no longer being mandated by law. This fear, while understandable, led to a regulatory vacuum that left the country vulnerable to otherwise preventable diseases.

Although Japan is in the process of overhauling its vaccination policy and has made progress against measles in the last decade, the Japanese still have a way to go before they have eradicated the disease. Japan doesn’t have an “anti-vaxxer” movement like the one we are dealing with in the U.S., where the irrational and unfounded belief that vaccines lead to autism has become deeply entrenched, but many Japanese don’t understand how not being vaccinated can affect others. The groups largely responsible for the current measles outbreak in Japan were very willing to get vaccinated when they realized their actions could have a negative impact on others in their community. This shows a clear need for more understanding –both here and there–about the importance of vaccines and how they work. The measles outbreak in Japan has a lesson for all of us: promote science to combat fear and ignorance.