Traveler's vaccine use among Japanese expatriates in developing countries

Abstract

Traveler's vaccinations are recommended for preventing infectious disease among overseas travelers. Focusing on Japanese expatriate adults residing in developing countries, we report our results for 2002 and 2005 vaccination status. Positive responses to the statement "Had traveler's vaccination before leaving Japan" increased from 49.9% in 2002 to 55.8% in 2005. Regionally the vaccination rate was high among those traveling in South Asia and Tropical Africa, and vaccination rates high in all regions for hepatitis A and B and tetanus. Vaccinations rates for rabies, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and polio, were high in regions where these are known to be specifically prevalent. A certain number of travelers in some regions had also been vaccinated against typhoid and meningococcal meningitis although these vaccinations are not authorized in Japan. Despite these positive developments, however, much work remains to be done to raise the awareness among Japanese expatriates in developing countries of the need for vaccinations.