A viral claim circulating online alleges that Japan halted all vaccinations for children under 24 months in 1994, resulting in a dramatic 96% drop in infant mortality. This misinformation gained traction on social media platforms like X and Facebook, with users citing personal anecdotes and promoting vaccine skepticism.
However, this claim is completely false. Japan did not discontinue early childhood vaccinations. In 1994, the country merely shifted from a mandatory vaccination policy to a voluntary one—while still strongly encouraging immunization. Japan maintains one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, with immunization coverage for diseases like measles, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis exceeding 95%. The country’s vaccination schedule remains closely aligned with global standards, and local governments incentivize families to follow it by covering the cost of vaccines when guidelines are met.
The drop in Japan’s infant mortality rate—from 4.25 per 1,000 live births in 1994 to 1.77 in recent years—is due to public health advancements, not the abandonment of vaccines. Initiatives promoting safe infant sleep, improved access to healthcare, and better nutrition have all played significant roles in reducing infant mortality. This serves as a reminder to verify information before sharing, especially when it concerns public health.
