About Various Vaccinations
Vaccination is one of the most effective medical measures for preventing infectious diseases and reducing their severity. Rather than "treating illnesses after they occur," regular vaccination is recommended as a preparedness measure to "avoid getting sick or prevent severe illness."
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 vaccination are "VPDs"
VPD (Vaccine Preventable Diseases) is an acronym for diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. By preventing diseases that can be avoided, such as influenza, pneumococcal disease, shingles, hepatitis B, HPV, rubella, and tetanus, we protect your quality of life and healthy lifespan.
Vaccines Available at Our Clinic
| Vaccine | Target Audience | Cost (per dose) | Number of Doses / Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Influenza Vaccine | All ages 6 months and older | 4,400 yen | Annually Oct-Dec, 1 dose (2 doses for under 13) |
| COVID-19 Vaccine | By age group | Please inquire | Routine vaccination (autumn/winter) |
| Pneumococcal Vaccine (23-valent) | 65 years and older, with underlying medical conditions | Please inquire | Every 5 years |
| Pneumococcal Vaccine (15/20-valent) | Adults, elderly | Please inquire | 1 dose (can be combined with 23-valent) |
| Shingles Vaccine (inactivated) | 50 years and older | 22,000 yen | 2 doses, 2 months apart |
| Hepatitis B Vaccine | All ages | 5,500 yen | 3 doses at 0, 1, and 6 months |
| MMR Vaccine (Measles, Rubella) | Adults with insufficient antibodies | 9,900 yen | 1-2 doses |
| Chickenpox Vaccine | Adults who have not had chickenpox | 8,800 yen | 2 doses |
|
Mumps Vaccine |
Adults who have not had mumps | 5,300 yen | 1-2 doses |
| HPV Vaccine (Gardasil 9) | Female/Male | Please inquire | 3 doses over 6 months (2 doses for under 15) |
| Tetanus Vaccine | All ages, additional dose for injuries | Please inquire | Booster recommended every 10 years |
| Pertussis-containing Vaccine (Tdap) | Adults | 5,500 yen | Every 10 years |
| Meningococcal Vaccine | Those planning overseas study/travel | Please inquire | 1 dose |
* The availability of vaccines may vary by season. Please inquire in advance to confirm if the vaccine you wish to receive is available at our clinic.
Recommended Vaccination Schedule
Adults (20s-50s)
- Influenza: Annually from October to 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 at sexual risk
- HPV: Women aged 9-45, men aged 9-26 (voluntary vaccination)
Ages 50 and older
- Influenza: Annually (public funding for the elderly)
- Shingles Vaccine: Recommended for all individuals aged 50 and older
- Pneumococcal: Publicly funded at age 65, then every 5 years
- RSV vaccine: Some individuals aged 60 and older (consultation required)
Individuals with underlying medical 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
- Requires confirmation depending 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 systematically 2-3 months before travel
Details of Major Vaccines
Influenza Vaccine
Annual vaccination is standard
Since the influenza strain that circulates changes every year, annual vaccination is recommended. The vaccine is 30-60% effective in preventing illness and 70-80% effective in preventing severe illness/hospitalization. It is particularly effective for the elderly and individuals with underlying medical conditions.
- Vaccination period: Late October to November is best
- Onset of effect: Approximately 2 weeks after vaccination
- Duration of effect: Approximately 5 months
- Under 13 years old: 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart
- Side effects: Redness, swelling at injection site, mild fever (1-2 days)
Pneumococcal Vaccine
A vaccine against pneumococcal bacteria, which cause pneumonia and meningitis. In Japan, 23-valent (Pneumovax) and 15/20-valent (Prevnar) vaccines are available for adults.
| Type | Target Audience | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 23-valent (Pneumovax) | 65 years and older, individuals with underlying medical conditions | Every 5 years, public subsidy (at age 65 in many municipalities) |
| 15/20-valent (Prevnar, Vaxneuvance) | General adults (especially the elderly) | Once for life, broader coverage when combined with 23-valent |
Shingles Vaccine
Prevents shingles, for which the risk of developing increases rapidly after age 50. Please refer to the "Shingles" page for details.
| Vaccine | Efficacy | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Shingrix (recombinant subunit) | Approximately 97% for those in their 50s, approximately 88% for those in their 70s | 2 doses, side effects such as muscle pain |
| Live attenuated vaccine (Biken) | Approximately 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 at sexual risk
- Individuals born after 1986 are eligible for routine vaccination
HPV Vaccine
Prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer, anal cancer, throat cancer, and genital warts.
| Type | Target Audience | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gardasil 9 (9-valent) | Women aged 9-45, men aged 9-26 (voluntary) | Routine vaccination is publicly funded, otherwise self-pay |
| Catch-up Vaccination | Women born between April 1997 and March 2009 (until the end of fiscal year 2025) | Publicly funded (within the deadline) |
HPV Vaccination for Men
Men are also recommended to get vaccinated to prevent HPV-related cancers (anal cancer, throat cancer, penile cancer) and genital warts, as well as to prevent transmission to partners. In most municipalities, this is a self-pay vaccination.
MMR (Measles/Rubella) Vaccine
- High rubella antibody negativity rate in adult males (born between fiscal years 1962 and 1978)
- Insufficient rubella antibodies in pregnant women can affect the fetus
- 5th period routine vaccination (eligible males, publicly funded)
- Check before international travel (measles endemic areas)
Tetanus/Pertussis-containing Vaccine
- Tetanus prevention requires booster vaccinations every 10 years to maintain efficacy
- Consider a booster for injuries (puncture wounds, animal bites, soil contamination)
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine simultaneously prevents pertussis
- Adult pertussis can be a source of infection for infants, so it is recommended for families with newborns
Publicly Funded Vaccinations and Subsidy Programs
Routine Vaccinations (Age and conditions set by the government)
- Influenza for the elderly (65 years and older)
- Pneumococcal for the elderly (at age 65)
- Shingles (routine vaccination for 65-year-olds from April 2025)
- HPV (girls equivalent to elementary school 6th grade to high school 1st grade)
- Rubella (Phase 5: males born between fiscal years 1962 and 1978)
Municipal-specific subsidies
Depending on your municipality, subsidies may be available for shingles, mumps, HPV (male), etc. Our clinic supports various subsidies in Kita Ward, Itabashi Ward, and Toshima Ward.
Check your municipality's website for subsidy details
The subsidy amount, eligible age, and whether a vaccination voucher is required vary by municipality. Please check your municipality's website before your visit, or consult our reception desk.
Vaccination Process
- Appointment or Walk-in: Walk-ins are accepted (inquire about vaccine availability recommended)
- Registration/Medical Questionnaire: Fill in medical history, allergies, medications, and possibility of pregnancy
- Doctor's Consultation: Temperature check, health status confirmation, Q&A
- Consent Confirmation/Vaccination: Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (completed in seconds)
- Post-vaccination Observation: 15-30 minutes, health check within 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 firmly massage the injection site
- Normal bathing (showering) is permitted
- Fever and swelling usually subside within 1-2 days
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe fever, difficulty breathing, hives, or other anaphylactic symptoms
About Side Effects
Common Local Reactions (Mild)
- Redness, swelling, pain at the injection site
- Induration (lump)
- Usually subside within 1-3 days
Systemic Reactions
- Fever, fatigue, headache
- Joint pain, muscle pain
- Usually subside within 1-2 days
Rare Side Effects
- Anaphylaxis: Sudden allergic reaction within 30 minutes of vaccination
- Vasovagal syncope (fainting)
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (very rare)
- Thrombocytopenic purpura (very rare)
Anaphylaxis Measures
At our clinic, we ask you to wait in the clinic for 15-30 minutes after vaccination to monitor for any changes in your condition. We are prepared to respond promptly to anaphylaxis, should it occur.
Those Who Cannot Be Vaccinated or Require Caution
Contraindications
- Clear history of allergy to vaccine components
- Fever or acute phase of infection
- Individuals with severe acute illness
- Pregnancy (live vaccines are contraindicated, inactivated vaccines are relatively permissible)
- Immunocompromised (live vaccines are contraindicated)
- Taking anticoagulants (apply pressure to the injection site during intramuscular injection)
- Egg allergy (influenza vaccine is now safely administered)
- Those who had a strong reaction to previous vaccinations
Caution Advised
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get vaccinated without an appointment?
Many vaccines are available for walk-in, same-day vaccination. However, we may not have stock available on the day, so we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
Can I receive multiple vaccines simultaneously?
In principle, simultaneous vaccination is possible (administered at separate sites). However, if live vaccines are involved, there must be an interval (at least 27 days).
I'm concerned about vaccine side effects.
Most side effects are swelling and pain at the injection site or a mild fever, which usually subside within 1-2 days. Severe side effects are very rare, but we are prepared to handle them during the 30-minute observation period at the clinic after vaccination.
Can I get vaccinated while pregnant?
Inactivated vaccines (influenza, pertussis, hepatitis B, etc.) can be administered during pregnancy and are sometimes recommended. Live vaccines (MMR, chickenpox, mumps, etc.) are contraindicated during pregnancy. Please consult us individually.
Can I receive publicly funded (free/subsidized) vaccinations?
This depends on the eligible vaccine, age, and municipality. Examples include influenza for the elderly, pneumococcal for the elderly, routine HPV, and shingles (routine for 65-year-olds from fiscal year 2025). Please check your municipality's website.
Can I get vaccinated if I have a cold?
If you have a fever of 37.5°C or higher or severe malaise, it is safer to postpone the vaccination. If you have only a light runny nose or slight sore throat, vaccination is often possible with a doctor's judgment.
Do you handle vaccines for international travel?
We can handle Hepatitis B, Tetanus, MMR, Pertussis, Meningococcal, and other vaccines. Some vaccines, such as Yellow Fever and Japanese Encephalitis not covered by routine domestic vaccination, are handled by designated medical institutions, and we can refer you.
Do you also handle children's vaccines?
We can handle routine vaccinations for junior high school students and older (HPV, Japanese Encephalitis Phase 2, etc.). Routine pediatric vaccinations (BCG, DPT-IPV, Hib, pediatric pneumococcal, MMR, etc.) are best administered at a pediatric clinic.
Can I get a vaccination certificate issued?
A certificate can be issued at the time of vaccination. Please feel free to request it for submission to schools, workplaces, or study abroad programs. English certificates for international travel are also available (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 unknown, antibody tests can be performed to check your immune status and determine necessary vaccinations.
Can I donate blood after vaccination?
After inactivated vaccines (influenza, pneumococcal, etc.), you can donate blood 24 hours after vaccination. After live vaccines (MMR, etc.), you can donate blood 4 weeks after vaccination. For COVID-19 vaccines, it's 48 hours after vaccination (Pfizer, Moderna).
Features of Vaccination at Our Clinic
- Supports a wide range of over 10 types of vaccines
- Supports publicly funded vaccinations and municipal subsidies (Kita Ward, Itabashi Ward, Toshima Ward, etc.)
- From routine adult vaccinations to voluntary vaccinations
- Same-day vaccinations available without an appointment (stock confirmation recommended)
- Issuance of vaccination certificates (Japanese and English)
- Choice of both Shingrix and live attenuated vaccines for shingles
- Catch-up HPV vaccination (Gardasil 9)
- Evaluation of immune status through antibody testing also available
- In-clinic observation system for anaphylaxis measures
- No appointment needed, same-day visit OK / Open daily 9:00-21:00 / 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 your family, colleagues, and community members. We will explain everything carefully so you can get vaccinated with peace of mind and confidence. Please feel free to consult us.
