Child Vaccinations in Japan: The Schedule, Free Shots & How It Works

Quick answer (30 seconds): Japan has a thorough child-vaccination program, and the "routine" vaccines (teiki sesshu) are publicly funded — effectively free when done on schedule at a participating clinic. Your city/ward sends vouchers/notices, and every shot is recorded in your child's Boshi Techo (Maternal and Child Health Handbook). A few vaccines are "optional" (nin'i sesshu) and paid. Japan's schedule overlaps with but isn't identical to other countries' — so if you arrived from abroad, bring your child's records and the clinic/city will set a catch-up plan. Book at a pediatric clinic and bring the Boshi Techo every time.

Disclaimer: General information, not medical advice. The vaccine schedule, timing, and which shots are routine vs optional change over time — follow the plan from your pediatrician and city/ward office, and consult a doctor for your child's specific situation.

Routine (free) vs optional (paid)

• Routine vaccines (teiki sesshu): recommended on a national schedule and publicly funded by your municipality — effectively free at participating clinics, within the recommended age windows. This is most of the schedule.
• Optional vaccines (nin'i sesshu): still useful, but not publicly funded — you pay (e.g., some flu shots, mumps, and others depending on the year/area).

Your city/ward office sends notices and vouchers for the routine shots — watch for them, and book before the age window closes.

The main routine vaccines

Japan's routine childhood schedule typically includes:

• BCG (tuberculosis)
• DPT-IPV (a four-in-one: diphtheria, pertussis/whooping cough, tetanus, polio)
• MR (measles–rubella)
• Hib and pneumococcal (PCV)
• Hepatitis B
• Rotavirus