"SIDS ‘DISAPPEARED’ In Japan After Raising The Age of Vaccination To 2yrs Old." ~Dr. Pierre Kory, MD In 1981, Japan delayed the DTaP vaccine until children turned two years old. Japan holds one of the lowest infant mortality rates, while the US ranks among the highest. During the 1970s, following only two reported infant deaths linked to the whole-cell pertussis vaccine (DTwP), intense public concern prompted the Japanese government to halt routine DTwP vaccinations. They later introduced the acellular pertussis version (DTaP) in 1981, but limited its use to children aged two and older. In 1993, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor & Welfare discontinued the combined MMR vaccine after it triggered a significant increase in severe adverse reactions — particularly aseptic meningitis resulting in serious harm and fatalities. Japan now provides separate measles and rubella vaccines and has never reintroduced the mumps component or the MMR combination shot. In 1994, Japan revised its Immunization Act, changing all childhood vaccinations from mandatory to voluntary/recommended status. This removed any penalties for declining vaccines and moved administration from mass public health clinics to individual choice via private doctors — prioritizing personal decision-making and informed consent. The U.S. continues to have the highest infant mortality rate among 16 other developed nations. As of 2022, the CDC reports the U.S. rate at 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. Japan’s rate remains among the world’s lowest at 1.7 per 1,000 — the U.S. rate is more than three times higher.