Japanese law requires that children be inoculated against eight diseases at
certain ages. A BCG vaccine is used against tuberculosis, and children are inoculated
for whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus through a DPT compound vaccine; the
other four illnesses are polio, measles, rubella and Japanese encephalitis.
Legal non-Japanese residents can be vaccinated free of charge while unregistered
non-Japanese can be vaccinated by paying a fee.
There are several differences between Japan and other countries regarding vaccination
procedures. For example, in some countries children are inoculated three or
more times for polio, but the vaccine is only administered twice in Japan. Those
who wish to be inoculated a third time can do so by paying a fee. Also, while
vaccination against Haemophilus influenza type B is practiced in western countries,
this vaccination is not available in Japan as the vaccine has not been approved.
These are just a couple of examples of the numerous differences between Japan
and other countries regarding vaccination. To be properly informed, making inquiries
about inoculation to the proper municipal authorities, to pediatricians, or
at health centers is recommended.
If you have questions about matters regarding medical treatment, please contact
the AMDA International Medical Care Information Center in Kansai. You can make
inquiries even if you do not speak Japanese. Inquiries can be made in English
and Spanish from Monday to Friday, and in Portuguese and Chinese on certain
days. The number to call is 06-4395-0555.