To investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to herpes zoster (HZ) and its vaccination among people in Japan. This mixed-methods research consisted of two distinct phases. During phase 1, concept elicitation interviews were held with members of the general public (n = 24) and physicians (n = 6). The capability-opportunity-motivation-behavior model was employed to pinpoint key themes connected to KAP. In phase 2, these themes were confirmed using self-administered quantitative surveys distributed to a broader sample (public: n = 600; physicians: n = 60).
Even though awareness levels were high for both HZ (92.9%–94.0%) and HZ vaccination (76.0%–80.4%) in the public group, actual knowledge regarding HZ remained limited, vaccination coverage was low (13.1%–32.0%), and the willingness to get vaccinated was modest (12.6%–18.2% among those not yet vaccinated against HZ). Members of the public showed strong readiness to accept HZ vaccination when advised by their physician (78.7%–84.0%). However, physicians frequently hesitated to recommend the vaccine due to obstacles, including their belief that patients were unwilling (51.7%) and concerns about the vaccine’s cost (51.7%). Several forms of government assistance were identified as potential ways to stimulate discussions between patients and physicians about HZ and to boost vaccination rates in the general population (30.0%–53.3%). The results of this study could help shape future public health approaches to reduce barriers to HZ vaccine acceptance in Japan.
