More information needed to help individuals decide on vaccinations

Two separate topics concerning vaccination to prevent infectious diseases are in the news. An epidemic of rubella, also known as German measles, has broken out in Japan, with the number of cases exceeding 10,000 and still rising. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has issued warnings and is urging people to receive a vaccination. The other topic concerns cervical cancer. In April, a cervical cancer vaccine was added to the ministry’s regular mass vaccination program. But the ministry on June 14 decided to withdraw its recommendation for the vaccine due to concerns about possible side effects. Different vaccines have different target groups. And their degrees of urgency also vary. In deciding whether specific vaccinations should be carried out, it is necessary to weigh the benefits against the side effects that occur at a certain rate. But many people still don’t have accurate knowledge and information about vaccines. The government should make greater efforts...