Super-aging Japan faces a dual challenge: rising non-communicable disease (NCD) burden and persistent vulnerability to vaccine-preventable respiratory infections. With nearly 75% of deaths linked to NCDs and growing evidence that infections like influenza and pneumonia accelerate chronic disease progression, adult immunization must be viewed not only as infectious disease prevention, but as a core healthy longevity and economic strategy.

To address these challenges, the Global Coalition on Aging convened Japanese and international experts to examine the clinical, economic, and policy implications. The resulting report, released in February 2026, outlines a focused reform agenda to strengthen adult vaccination policy and align it with Japan’s broader healthy aging priorities.

Key Calls to Action

• Position adult vaccination as an NCD prevention strategy within national healthy aging frameworks.

• Establish a unified national adult immunization framework with sustainable funding.

• Integrate vaccination into routine adult care and incentivize provider engagement.

• Expand access, monitoring, and public awareness to drive higher uptake.