Japan to Begin Stockpiling Smallpox Vaccine

The Japanese Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is expected to begin stockpiling smallpox vaccine for 56 million people in preparation for a possible biological attack, the Daily Yomiuri reported today (see GSN, June 6).

A panel of experts recommended the stockpiling plan. The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry plans to increase its stock of the vaccine and to continue studies in light of the panel’s report, an official said.

This is the first time the government has disclosed how many smallpox vaccinations are needed to combat an attack, the Yomiuri reported. Japan ended its smallpox vaccination program in 1976. Since then, 38 million people have been born in the country. Approximately 18 million people also did not receive vaccinations for health reason prior to the program’s abolishment.

Cost for producing the vaccine is estimated to be more than $151 million, according to ministry officials.

Japan announced in 2001 that it would begin stockpiling enough vaccine for 3 million people, but since then has declined to say how much vaccine has been set aside (Daily Yomiuri, July 12).

Back to top
About Newswire  |  Contact National Journal  |  Re-Use Guidelines © Copyright 2008 by National Journal Group, Inc. The material in this section is produced independently for NTI by National Journal Group, Inc. Any reproduction or retransmission, in whole or in part, is a violation of federal law and is strictly prohibited without the consent of the National Journal Group, Inc. All rights reserved.