Activities

• We conduct a clinical epidemiological study of adult pneumococcal pneumonia in Japan. The purpose of this study is to determine the serotype distribution of pneumococcal pneumonia and epidemiological characteristics of each serotype. We aim to recommend vaccine policies of pneumococcal vaccine for older people using these data. Using the latest serotype distribution obtained from the surveillance, we are analyzing cost-effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccines in the older people in collaboration with Yokohama City University and University of Tokyo.
• A surveillance study of adult acute respiratory tract infections at seven hospitals in Japan is in progress. In this project, we aim to identify pathogens specific disease burden through comprehensive pathogen diagnosis using multiplex PCR and QoL surveys.
• With regard to COVID-19 and Influenza, we investigate the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines and influenza vaccines on symptomatic disease, hospitalization, and sever illness among adult in Japan. The results of this study have been shared with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and are being used to evaluate and formulate policies for the national immunization program.