Long-term clinical studies of varicella vaccine at a regional hospital in Japan and proposal for a varicella vaccination program

Because it is administered as part of the voluntary vaccination program, the varicella vaccination coverage rate has remained low in Japan, with no sign of a decrease in the number of varicella patients. We consider that implementation of routine varicella vaccination program based on the Preventive Vaccination Law would be the most effective approach for improvement of the coverage rate. Along with this, introduction of a two-dose schedule would also be desirable. In addition to decreasing the prevalence of characteristic breakthrough varicella infection, the vaccination coverage rate would also be expected to improve with a two-dose schedule due to an increase in opportunities for vaccination.