Information on Vaccinations for Children
Vaccinations are a measure taken to build immunity against infectious diseases and prevent severe illness. They are divided into “routine vaccinations,” which are provided free of charge by the government, and “optional vaccinations,” which individuals may choose to receive at their own discretion.
Routine Vaccinations
The target age groups and timing for these vaccinations are specified under the Vaccination Act, and they are provided at no cost to the recipient.
Optional Vaccinations
This category includes vaccines other than routine vaccinations, as well as vaccinations administered to individuals outside the target age group. As a general rule, the full cost must be paid out of pocket.
Please make an appointment in advance through our online booking system before coming in for vaccinations. Please bring your Maternal and Child Health Handbook and Vaccination Record Book with you when you visit.
As a general rule, a parent or guardian who is familiar with the child’s usual condition must be present during the vaccination. However, if you are unable to accompany your child due to unavoidable circumstances, a relative who is equally familiar with the child’s usual condition may accompany them instead. In such cases, a handwritten letter of authorization from the parent or guardian (download here) is required, so please fill it out and bring it with you.
[Advance Application Required | Click here for information on the reimbursement program for those who received vaccinations in other prefectures]
List of Routine Childhood Vaccinations
| Types | Implementation Method | Fees | Standard vaccination age (Eligible age) | Standard Reception Methods and Other Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotavirus | Individual | Free | Rotarix ・From 6 weeks 0 days to 24 weeks 0 days after birth Rotateq ・From 6 weeks 0 days to 32 weeks 0 days after birth | Rotarix ・Two doses administered at least 27 days apart Rotateq ・Three doses administered at least 27 days apart |
| Pneumococcal vaccine for children | Individual | Free | Ages 2 months to under 7 months (ages 2 months to under 5 years) | The number of doses varies depending on the age at which vaccination begins. ・Ages 2 to under 7 months: 3 initial doses, plus 1 booster dose ・Ages 7 to under 12 months: 2 initial doses, plus 1 booster dose ・Ages 1 to under 2 years: 2 doses ・Ages 2 to under 5 years: 1 dose |
| Hepatitis B | Individual | Free | Ages 2 to under 9 months (from birth to under 1 year) | 3-dose regimen Administer the second dose at least 27 days after the first dose, and administer the third dose at least 139 days after the first dose |
| Pentavalent Vaccine ・Diphtheria ・Pertussis ・Tetanus ・Polio ・Hib | Individual | Free | First Dose (Phase 1) Ages 2 months to under 12 months (under 90 months of age) Booster Dose (Phase 1) 6 months to under 18 months after the first dose (under 90 months of age) | Primary Series (3 doses) The first dose should be administered at an interval of 20 to 56 days. A single booster dose should be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary series. |
| Diphtheria and Tetanus Combination Vaccine ・Diphtheria ・Tetanus | Individual | Free | Phase 2 Ages 11–13 | One dose *For those who have completed the first course of the DTP-IPV vaccine (Even those who have not received the DTP-IPV vaccine but have had whooping cough are eligible to receive the DTP vaccine free of charge) |
| BCG | Individual | Free | 5 to less than 8 months old (from birth to less than 1 year old) | One dose |
| Chickenpox | Individual | Free | 1st Dose ・Ages 12 to under 15 months (ages 12 to under 36 months) 2nd Dose ・6 to 12 months after the first dose (ages 12 to under 36 months) | One dose each *The second dose must be administered at least three months after the first dose |
| Measles and Rubella | Individual | Free | Phase 1 ・Ages 12 to 24 months Phase 2 ・Children aged 5 to 6 years who are in the year prior to entering elementary school | One dose of the combined measles-rubella vaccine *Individual vaccines are also available |
| Japanese encephalitis | Individual | Free | First Dose (Phase 1) ・Age 3 (6 months to under 90 months) Booster Dose (Phase 1) ・Age 4 (under 90 months) Second Dose (Phase 2) ・Age 9 (9 years to under 13 years) | Primary Series (Phase 1) ・Receive the second dose between the 6th and 28th day after the first dose Booster Dose (Phase 1) ・Receive one dose after completing the primary series *Wait at least 6 months after completing the primary series Phase 2 ・Receive one dose |
| Cervical Cancer (HPV) | Individual | Free | Equivalent to 7th grade (Girls from 6th grade through 10th grade) | Silgard ・If the first dose is administered before age 15, two doses are required (administered at 0 and 6 months) ・If the first dose is administered after age 15, three doses are required (administered at 0, 2, and 6 months) |
| Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) | Individual | Free | Ages 2 months to under 7 months (ages 2 months to under 5 years) | The number of doses varies depending on the age at which vaccination begins. ・Ages 2 to under 7 months: 3 initial doses, plus 1 booster dose ・Ages 7 to under 12 months: 2 initial doses, plus 1 booster dose ・Ages 1 to under 5 years: 1 dose *Starting April 1, 2024, the current Hib vaccine will be replaced by a pentavalent vaccine (which includes the Hib vaccine). |
[Reference: Fee Schedule for Optional Vaccinations, etc.]
Important Information When Getting Vaccinated
What should I keep in mind before getting vaccinated?
- Please check which vaccines you and your children should receive and when.
- Please make sure you understand the benefits and potential side effects of the vaccine before getting vaccinated.
- Please let us know how you are feeling today and whether you have a history of any medical conditions.
What should I be careful about after getting vaccinated?
You may experience side effects after vaccination. Please contact us if you notice any of the following symptoms in your child.
- Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
- Pale complexion
- Slow heart rate, irregular breathing
- Loss of consciousness and collapse
- Irritability and uncontrollable crying, etc.
Who is unable to get vaccinated?
If any of the following apply to you, you may not be eligible to receive the vaccination.
- Individuals with a fever (37.5°C or higher)
- Individuals suffering from a severe acute illness
- Individuals with a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylaxis, to any component of the vaccine*
- Individuals in any other condition deemed unsuitable for vaccination
* Multiple symptoms suggestive of anaphylaxis, such as anaphylaxis itself, or systemic skin and mucosal symptoms, asthma, difficulty breathing, tachycardia, and hypotension.