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GENOVA Collaborates with Meiji Seika Pharma for Vaccine Awareness

In a significant move aimed at enhancing public understanding of vaccination, GENOVA, a healthcare tech company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has joined forces with Meiji Seika Pharma, also headquartered in Tokyo. This partnership is set to roll out educational activities focused on vaccinations, with a particular emphasis on addressing the prevalent questions and uncertainties that people harbor regarding vaccines. Starting August 27, 2025, GENOVA will feature a dialogue between vaccine researchers and physicians centered around the vaccination theme on its medical media platform, Medical Doc (https://medicaldoc.jp/).

Background of the Awareness Campaign

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in discussions and information surrounding vaccines across social media platforms. While there are numerous advocates for vaccination, contradictory voices warn against it. Research by Meiji Seika Pharma has revealed that about 90% of doctors express a desire to discuss vaccines with their patients. This trend highlights a critical need for collaborative efforts to provide accurate and accessible information to alleviate public concerns about vaccination.

Overview of the Dialogue Article

The upcoming article will showcase a conversation between Takashi Naruse from Meiji Seika Pharma and Dr. Sota Mine, a physician specializing in infectious diseases and vaccines. They will delve into the distinction between vaccine-related "adverse reactions" and "adverse events," as well as the complexities surrounding the vaccination of healthy individuals.

Key Points from the Article:

Differences Between Adverse Reactions and Adverse Events

• - Adverse Reactions: These are undesirable physical responses resulting from vaccination, such as fever or swelling. These symptoms are generally mild, indicating that the body is responding to a foreign substance and usually resolve on their own.
• - Adverse Events: This broader term encompasses any unwanted events that occur after vaccination. For instance, if an individual has a car accident post-vaccination, that would be classified as an adverse event.

The Role of Vaccines as a Shield for Society

• - Vaccines play a crucial role not only in protecting individual health by preventing severe illness from infections but also in mitigating rising healthcare costs and easing the burden on medical systems.
• - They protect not only the vaccinated individuals but also the infants and individuals with weakened immune systems who cannot receive vaccines, thereby safeguarding the community.

Navigating Information Regarding Vaccines

• - Given the plethora of information available about vaccines, it is vital for individuals to make informed decisions autonomously.
• - Consulting with primary care physicians and referencing reputable sources such as the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s website is recommended.
• - Caution is advised against definitively stated claims or fragmented information encountered on social media platforms.

Read the full article here

Profiles of the Key Speakers

Takashi Naruse

Having completed his master's degree in industrial chemistry at Kumamoto University, Naruse began his career at the Chemical and Serum Institute, engaging in the research and development of biopharmaceuticals, including vaccines. Previously, he served as an executive officer at KM Biologics and currently holds the position of executive officer of research and development at Meiji Seika Pharma. He is also the chairman of various associations related to vaccines.

Dr. Sota Mine

Dr. Mine graduated from Kyoto University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Nagoya University’s Faculty of Medicine. He has worked on pathology, virology, immunology, and vaccination research both domestically and internationally. He is well-known for his evidence-based information sharing on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), earning the affectionate nickname "Babu-sensei." As a consultant and researcher, he engages in a plethora of medical and public health advisory roles.

Future Prospects

Looking forward, GENOVA and Meiji Seika Pharma are committed to continue their collaborative efforts to disseminate valuable health information, thereby enriching public understanding and well-being regarding medical practices.

About GENOVA

Founded in July 2005, GENOVA aims to connect people with healthcare, creating a healthier society through innovative healthcare tech services. In response to Japan's demographic challenges and rising healthcare costs, GENOVA is dedicated to improving healthcare access and addressing citizens' concerns through multifaceted business initiatives.

For more information, visit GENOVA.

About Meiji Seika Pharma

Established in October 1916, Meiji Seika Pharma is devoted to protecting public health by providing an extensive range of vaccines and therapeutic drugs. The firm actively collaborates with KM Biologics to develop innovative vaccines and antibiotics. Learn more at Meiji Seika Pharma.