About Various Vaccinations
Vaccination is one of the most effective medical measures for preventing infectious diseases and reducing their severity. Rather than "treating a disease after it occurs," regular vaccination is recommended as a measure to "prevent illness or minimize its severity."
Our clinic offers a wide range of voluntary, routine, and publicly funded vaccinations for adults, and we also accommodate same-day vaccinations without an appointment.
Diseases preventable by vaccines are called "VPDs"
VPD (Vaccine Preventable Diseases) is an abbreviation for diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. By preventing diseases such as influenza, pneumococcal disease, shingles, hepatitis B, HPV, rubella, and tetanus, which can be avoided, we protect quality of life and healthy life expectancy.
Vaccines Available at Our Clinic
| Vaccine | Target Population | Cost | Number of Doses/Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Influenza Vaccine | All ages 6 months and older | Self-pay ¥3,500–¥4,500 / Publicly funded for seniors | Annually October–December, 1 dose (2 doses for those under 13) |
| COVID-19 Vaccine | Depends on age group | Publicly funded/Self-pay (depending on period) | Routine vaccination (autumn/winter) |
| Pneumococcal Vaccine (23-valent) | 65 years and older / those with underlying conditions | Public subsidy available / Self-pay ¥7,000–¥8,000 | Every 5 years |
| Pneumococcal Vaccine (15/20-valent) | Adults / Seniors | Self-pay around ¥10,000 | 1 dose (can be used with 23-valent) |
| Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix) | 50 years and older | Self-pay approx. ¥22,000 x 2 doses | 2 doses, 2 months apart |
| Shingles Vaccine (Live Attenuated Vaccine) | 50 years and older | Self-pay approx. ¥8,000 | 1 dose |
| Hepatitis B Vaccine | All ages | Self-pay ¥5,000–¥7,000 x 3 doses | 3 doses at 0, 1, and 6 months |
| Measles-Rubella Combined Vaccine (MR) | Adults with insufficient antibodies | Self-pay around ¥10,000 | 1–2 doses |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine | Adults who have not had chickenpox | Self-pay around ¥8,000 | 2 doses |
|
Mumps Vaccine |
Adults who have not had mumps | Self-pay around ¥6,000 | 1–2 doses |
| HPV Vaccine (Gardasil 9) | Female / Male | Publicly funded (eligible age) / Self-pay approx. ¥30,000 per dose | 3 doses over 6 months (2 doses for those under 15) |
| Tetanus Vaccine | All ages, booster during injury | Self-pay ¥3,000–¥4,000 | Booster recommended every 10 years |
| Pertussis-containing Vaccine (Tdap) | Adults | Self-pay around ¥5,000 | Every 10 years |
| Meningococcal Vaccine | Individuals planning to study/travel abroad | Self-pay around ¥20,000 | 1 dose |
※ The availability of vaccines may vary by season. Please inquire in advance if the vaccine you wish to receive is available at our clinic.
Recommended Vaccination Schedule
Adults (20s–50s)
- Influenza: Annually October–December
- Tetanus/Pertussis: Booster every 10 years
- Measles/Rubella: If antibodies are insufficient (pregnant women, men in their 30s–50s)
- Hepatitis B: Healthcare workers, international travelers, those with sexual risk factors
- HPV: Females 9–45 years, Males 9–26 years (voluntary vaccination)
50 years and older
- Influenza: Annually (publicly funded for seniors)
- Shingles Vaccine: Recommended for all individuals 50 years and older
- Pneumococcal: Publicly funded at age 65, then every 5 years
- RSV Vaccine: Some individuals 60 years and older (consultation required)
Individuals with Underlying Conditions (High Priority)
- Individuals with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, heart disease, or immunocompromised conditions
- Influenza/Pneumococcal (eligible for public subsidy)
- Shingles (high risk)
- Routine COVID-19 vaccination
Individuals Planning International Travel
- Check required vaccines based on destination (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Japanese Encephalitis, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, etc.)
- Yellow fever vaccine is only available at designated medical institutions (not at our clinic)
- Plan 2–3 months before travel
Details of Major Vaccines
Influenza Vaccine
Annual vaccination is standard
Influenza strains change annually, so annual vaccination is recommended. Effectiveness is 30–60% for preventing infection and 70–80% for preventing severe illness/hospitalization. It is particularly effective for seniors and individuals with underlying medical conditions.
- Vaccination period: Late October–November is best
- Onset of effect: Approx. 2 weeks after vaccination
- Duration of effect: Approx. 5 months
- Individuals under 13 years old receive 2 doses, 2–4 weeks apart
- Side effects: Redness, swelling at the injection site, mild fever (1–2 days)
Pneumococcal Vaccine
A vaccine against pneumococcus, a bacterium that causes pneumonia and meningitis. In Japan, there are 23-valent (Pneumovax) and 15/20-valent (Prevnar) vaccines for adults.
| Type | Target Population | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 23-valent (Pneumovax) | 65 years and older / those with underlying conditions | Every 5 years, public subsidy (for 65-year-olds in many municipalities) |
| 15/20-valent (Prevnar / Vaxneuvance) | General adults (especially seniors) | 1 dose for life, broader coverage when combined with 23-valent |
Shingles Vaccine
Prevents shingles, for which the risk of onset increases sharply after age 50. For details, please refer to the "Shingles" page.
| Vaccine | Effectiveness | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Shingrix (recombinant subunit) | Approx. 97% for those in their 50s, approx. 88% for those in their 70s | 2 doses, side effects include muscle pain |
| Live attenuated vaccine (Biken) | Approx. 50–70% | 1 dose, lower cost |
Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Prevention of Hepatitis B virus infection
- 3 doses (0, 1, and 6 months) for long-term prevention
- Recommended for healthcare workers, international travelers, and those with sexual risk factors
- Those born after 1986 are eligible for routine vaccination
HPV Vaccine
Prevents human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer, anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and genital warts.
| Type | Target Population | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gardasil 9 (9-valent) | Females 9–45 years, Males 9–26 years (voluntary) | Publicly funded for routine vaccination, otherwise self-pay |
| Catch-up vaccination | Females born between April 2, 1997, and April 1, 2009 (until end of FY2025) | Publicly funded (within deadline) |
HPV vaccination for men
Men are also recommended to get vaccinated to prevent HPV-related cancers (anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, penile cancer) and genital warts, and to prevent transmission to partners. In most municipalities, it is a self-pay vaccination.
MR (Measles-Rubella) Vaccine
- High rubella antibody negative rate among adult men (born between April 2, 1962, and April 1, 1979)
- Insufficient rubella antibodies in pregnant women can affect the fetus
- Fifth-period routine vaccination (eligible men, publicly funded)
- Check before international travel (measles endemic areas)
Tetanus and Pertussis-Containing Vaccine
- Tetanus prevention requires a booster every 10 years to maintain effectiveness
- Consider booster vaccination during injury (puncture wounds, animal bites, soil contamination)
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) containing vaccine also prevents pertussis simultaneously
- Adult pertussis can be a source of infection for infants, so it is recommended for families with newborns
About Publicly Funded and Subsidy Programs
Routine Vaccinations (Age and conditions set by the government)
- Influenza for seniors (65 years and older)
- Pneumococcal for seniors (at age 65)
- Shingles (routine vaccination for 65 years and older from April 2025)
- HPV (girls in elementary school year 6 to high school year 1 equivalent)
- Rubella (5th period: men born between April 2, 1962, and April 1, 1979)
Municipal-specific subsidies
Depending on your municipality of residence, subsidies may be available for shingles, mumps, HPV (men), etc. Our clinic supports various subsidies from Kita City, Itabashi City, and Toshima City.
Check your municipality's website for subsidy details
Subsidy amounts, eligible ages, and the necessity of vaccination coupons vary by municipality. Please check your municipality's website before your visit or consult with our front desk.
Vaccination Process
- Appointment or walk-in: Walk-ins are possible without an appointment (inquire about stock availability is recommended)
- Reception/Questionnaire: Fill in medical history, allergies, medications, and possibility of pregnancy
- Doctor's consultation: Temperature check, health status confirmation, Q&A
- Consent and vaccination: Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (takes a few seconds)
- Post-vaccination observation: 15–30 minutes, health check in the clinic
- Issuance of vaccination certificate (if needed)
Post-Vaccination Precautions
- On the day of vaccination, avoid strenuous exercise, prolonged bathing, and alcohol consumption
- Do not rub or strongly massage the injection site
- Normal bathing (showering) is allowed
- Fever and swelling often subside in 1–2 days
- If anaphylactic symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or hives occur, seek immediate medical attention
About Side Effects
Common Local Reactions (Mild)
- Redness, swelling, pain at the injection site
- Induration (lump)
- Usually resolves in 1–3 days
Systemic Reactions
- Fever, fatigue, headache
- Joint pain, muscle pain
- Often resolves in 1–2 days
Rare Side Effects
- Anaphylaxis: Sudden allergic reaction within 30 minutes after vaccination
- Vasovagal reaction (fainting)
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (very rare)
- Thrombocytopenic purpura (very rare)
Anaphylaxis Measures
At our clinic, we ask patients to wait for 15-30 minutes after vaccination to monitor their condition. We have a system in place to respond quickly in the event of anaphylaxis.
Who Cannot Be Vaccinated or Requires Caution
Contraindications
- Clear history of allergy to vaccine components
- Fever or acute phase of infection
- Individuals with severe acute illness
Caution Advised
- Pregnancy (live vaccines are contraindicated; inactivated vaccines are relatively permissible)
- Immunocompromised state (live vaccines are contraindicated)
- Taking anticoagulants (apply pressure to the injection site during intramuscular injection)
- Egg allergy (influenza vaccine is currently safe to administer)
- History of severe reaction to previous vaccines
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get vaccinated without an appointment?
Many vaccines are available for same-day vaccination without an appointment. However, stock availability may prevent same-day administration, so we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
Can I get multiple vaccines at the same time?
In principle, co-administration is possible (in different injection sites). However, if both are live vaccines, there must be an interval (27 days or more).
I'm worried about vaccine side effects.
Most side effects are swelling, pain at the injection site, or mild fever, and resolve within 1–2 days. Severe side effects are very rare, but we can manage them with 30 minutes of post-vaccination observation in the clinic.
Can I get vaccinated while pregnant?
Inactivated vaccines (influenza, pertussis, hepatitis B, etc.) can be administered during pregnancy and are sometimes recommended. Live vaccines (MR, varicella, mumps, etc.) are contraindicated during pregnancy. Please consult us individually.
Can I receive publicly funded (free or subsidized) vaccinations?
This varies depending on the vaccine, age, and municipality. Common examples include influenza for seniors, pneumococcal for seniors, routine HPV, and shingles (routine for 65 and older from FY2025). Please check your municipality's website.
I have a cold; can I still get vaccinated?
If you have a fever of 37.5°C or higher or are feeling significantly unwell, it is safer to postpone. If you have a mild runny nose or slight throat discomfort, vaccination is often possible with a doctor's judgment.
Do you handle vaccines for international travel?
We can administer Hepatitis B, Tetanus, MR, Pertussis, and Meningococcal vaccines. Some vaccines, such as yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis (outside routine domestic vaccination), require designated medical institutions, which we can refer you to.
Do you handle vaccinations for children?
We can administer routine vaccinations for junior high school students and older (HPV, Japanese Encephalitis 2nd dose, etc.). Pediatric routine vaccinations (BCG, DPT-IPV, Hib, pediatric pneumococcal, MR, etc.) are best administered at a pediatric clinic.
Can I get a vaccination certificate?
We can issue a certificate at the time of vaccination. Please feel free to request one for submission to schools, workplaces, or study abroad programs. We also provide English certificates for international travel (additional fees apply).
I don't know my past vaccination history.
You can check with your maternal and child health handbook or vaccination certificate. If unavailable, we can perform an antibody test to assess your immune status and determine necessary vaccinations.
Can I donate blood after vaccination?
For inactivated vaccines (influenza, pneumococcal, etc.), you can donate blood 24 hours after vaccination. For live vaccines (MR, etc.), you can donate blood 4 weeks after vaccination. For COVID-19 vaccines, 48 hours after (Pfizer/Moderna).
Features of Vaccination at Our Clinic
- Handles over 10 types of various vaccines
- Supports publicly funded vaccinations and municipal subsidies (Kita, Itabashi, Toshima Wards, etc.)
- From routine to voluntary vaccinations for adults
- Same-day vaccinations possible without an appointment (stock confirmation recommended)
- Issues vaccination certificates (Japanese and English)
- Offers both Shingrix and live attenuated options for shingles vaccine
- Catch-up HPV vaccination (Gardasil 9)
- Evaluates immune status through antibody testing
- In-clinic observation system for anaphylaxis measures
- No appointment needed, walk-ins welcome / Open daily 9 AM–9 PM / 1-minute walk from Jujo Station
Vaccination is an investment to "protect yourself and your loved ones"
Vaccination not only protects your own health but also has social significance in protecting family, colleagues, and community members. We will explain everything carefully so you can get vaccinated with peace of mind and understanding. Please feel free to consult us.
