O-012 Factors Associated With Actions Confirming Rubella Immunity Among Japanese Men and Women During the Rubella Catch-Up Vaccination Campaign Targeting the Working Generation

Introduction Japan fails to achieve its rubella elimination “until 2020” goal. Rubella outbreaks periodically occurred in 2013 and 2018 among the Japanese working generation without childhood vaccination opportunities. Since 2019, the Japanese government has conducted free rubella catch-up vaccination following an antibody test. However, the ongoing rubella catch-up vaccination campaign targeting working-age men has experienced a low participation rate. This study aims to clarify the factors associated with actions to confirm rubella immunity among Japanese men and women. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional internet questionnaire survey between September 12th and October 19th, 2022. Participants were randomly selected from the Rakuten Insight internet survey panel, which consists of 2.3 million panelists. Out of the 32,000 respondents, we excluded 3,370 due to discrepancies in their responses. Multivariable log-binomial regression analysis explored the associations between actions to confirm rubella immunity (test or vaccination) and socio-demographic factors. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Osaka International Cancer Institute (20084-9). Results Of 14,002 men and 14,628 women aged 20-82 years, 27.4% of men and 42.4% of women had taken action to confirm their rubella immunity. Among 3,987 men aged 44-60 targeted in the rubella catch-up vaccination campaign, 43.0% had understood the government recommendations, and 30.3% had taken action. Understanding government recommendations was the most influential factor in taking action for both men and women. Discussion Japan’s ongoing rubella catch-up vaccination campaign faces apathy from the target population. Conclusion A more significant effort to involve working-age men with apathy is essential to the success of rubella elimination.