Government-subsidized Vaccinations for Children in Japan
| Vaccine | Disease prevented | Usual vaccination age |
| Rotavirus | Rotavirus gastroenteritis | From 2 months |
| 5-in-1 combination vaccine (DPT-IPV-Hib) | Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio and Hib infections | From 2 months, with later doses |
| Pediatric pneumococcal vaccine | Pneumococcal infections, including pneumonia and meningitis | From 2 months, with later doses |
| Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B | From 2 months |
| BCG | Tuberculosis (TB) | Usually from 5 months |
| MR (measles-rubella) | Measles and rubella | At 1 year and before elementary school |
| Varicella | Chickenpox | From 1 year |
| Japanese encephalitis | Japanese encephalitis | Usually from 3 years, with later doses and a booster around age 9 |
| DT combination vaccine | Diphtheria and tetanus | Around age 11 |
| HPV vaccine | Human papillomavirus infection | From age 12 for eligible girls |
Routine vaccinations are provided free of charge using coupons issued by your local municipal health center. Vaccinations are available during group infant health checkups or at designated local pediatric clinics and hospitals.
Your local health center will mail the vaccination coupons to your home. You can make appointments directly with designated pediatric clinics for your child’s vaccinations.
Please bring the vaccination coupons and your Maternal and Child Health Handbook to each vaccination appointment.
JHI can help you understand the vaccination coupons mailed to your home and make an appointment with a local pediatric clinic. In some cities, vaccination coupons are available directly at local clinics. Contact us, and we will help you find out what to do in your area.
You can view the childhood vaccination schedule published by the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS) here.
HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccine is included in Japan’s routine vaccination program. Although the government temporarily suspended its active recommendation for the vaccine in June 2013 due to concerns about reported side effects, active recommendations resumed in November 2021.
Voluntary Vaccinations for Children
Seasonal Influenza, Mumps, Hepatitis A, and Meningococcal Disease
Voluntary vaccinations are generally not covered by routine public vaccination programs, and fees vary depending on the vaccine and clinic. These vaccinations are available at local pediatric clinics.
Contact us, and we will help you find clinics in your area that offer voluntary vaccinations.
Travel Vaccination information is on our Travel Imminization page.