This Request for Proposals (RFP) aims to enhance vaccination accessibility for older adults in Japan to prevent respiratory infections. The program supports initiatives focused on improving vaccination systems and environments.

Geographic Scope and Project Focus

The geographic scope of this grant is limited to projects conducted in Japan. The primary focus is on improving the environment and systems that lead to vaccination for the prevention of respiratory infections in older adults.

Projects should aim to establish accessible environments for older adults to smoothly receive vaccinations. They should also explore and implement vaccination methods tailored to the living conditions and needs of older adults.

Another key area of interest is projects designed to reduce and overcome vaccine hesitancy among older adults. Multi-disciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

Key Dates and Funding Details

The application submission deadline is July 4, 2025. The anticipated decision notification date is August 31, 2025, with the project start date expected to be January 1, 2026.

Individual projects can request up to 7,500,000 JPY. The project execution period is from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027 (2 years).

The amount of the grant will depend on the expert review panel’s evaluation of the proposal and costs involved. This will be clearly stated in the approval notification.

Eligibility Criteria

Only organizations are eligible to receive grants; individuals or medical practice groups are not eligible. Eligible organizations include medical, dental, nursing, allied health, and/or pharmacy professional schools, healthcare institutions, professional associations, and government agencies.

Collaborations within institutions or between different institutions/organizations/associations are encouraged. All partners must have a relevant role, and the requesting organization must have a key role in the project.

For projects offering continuing education credit, the requesting organization must be accredited.

• Medical, dental, nursing, allied health, and/or pharmacy professional schools

• Healthcare institutions (both large and small)

• Professional associations

• Government agencies

• Other entities with a mission related to healthcare improvement

Project Requirements and Priorities

Projects should be evidence-based, focusing on education and/or quality improvement. The proposed research/evaluation should follow generally accepted scientific principles.

Projects with the maximum likelihood to directly impact patient care will be given high priority. System-based changes are of particular interest.

The target audience includes physicians, pharmacists, nurses, other healthcare professionals, and municipality officials. Clinical research projects or projects evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic or diagnostic agents will not be considered.

Addressing Barriers to Vaccination

Key barriers to vaccination among older adults include difficulties accessing relevant information, lack of consultation opportunities, physical and motivational concerns, and transportation/accessibility issues. Potential solutions include implementing user-friendly booking systems and improving consultation services.

Personalized vaccination services, including home visits and combined administration of vaccines, can also improve access. Improving access to vaccination sites through appropriate locations and innovative transportation solutions is essential.

The goal is to support the establishment of systems and environments that significantly enhance vaccination access for older adults. These efforts seek to create conditions under which older adults can confidently and conveniently receive vaccinations