City hall
予防接種のお知らせ: Japan Vaccination Notice Explained
This is a 予防接種のお知らせ (vaccination notice) from your municipality, usually with a 接種券 (vaccination ticket / screening form) enclosed. It invites children or adults to 定期接種 (routine, legally-based vaccinations), which are often publicly funded (free or low out-of-pocket cost). ⛔ It is not a bill and does not ask for payment. The usual flow is to book with a clinic listed on the notice (pediatrics, internal medicine, etc.) and go with your 接種券. For a child's vaccination, also bring the 母子健康手帳 (maternal and child health handbook, 母子手帳).
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People of the target age for a routine vaccination, sent by the municipality where they are registered. The vaccines and who they cover differ by age — various childhood vaccines, vaccinations for older adults, and so on. Nationality does not matter; if you are registered and of the target age, you receive the notice. Optional vaccinations (任意接種, taken by choice when not covered) may not be publicly funded and can involve out-of-pocket cost.
What to do
- 1Check the notice and 接種券, and confirm the vaccine type and the period during which you can be vaccinated.
- 2Book with a clinic listed on the notice (pediatrics, internal medicine, etc.) by phone or web.
- 3On the day, bring the 接種券 (screening form), your health-insurance card, and for a child the 母子健康手帳.
- 4Fill in the screening form, hear the doctor's explanation, then get the shot. Routine vaccines are often publicly funded.
- 5If who qualifies, the cost or the location is unclear, ask the municipal contact printed on the notice (e.g. the health section).
About the deadline
Many routine vaccinations have a target period tied to age or timing, and after it passes you may no longer get them publicly funded (free or low-cost). ⛔ Always confirm the eligible period on your own notice. This is a deadline for getting vaccinated, not a payment deadline. Children's routine vaccines follow a schedule of several doses and types, so planning and booking early helps avoid missing one.
Common misunderstandings
- Is this a bill? Do I have to pay?
- No. This invites you to get vaccinated; it is not a bill. Routine vaccinations are often publicly funded (free or low out-of-pocket cost), and there is nothing to pay right now.
- What is the 接種券 (ticket) for?
- It is the form you hand to the clinic when you get vaccinated. It confirms this is a routine vaccination and is used for the pre-shot health screening. Always bring it on the day.
- Do I also need the 母子健康手帳?
- For a child's vaccination, bring the 母子健康手帳 (母子手帳) so the vaccination history is recorded. It matters for keeping a record of what shots were given.
- Do I have to get vaccinated?
- Routine vaccination is recommended, but the final decision rests with the person or guardian. Check the eligible period and type on the notice, and if unsure, ask the municipal contact or your family doctor.
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This page is general information. For your own case, confirm with the office that issued the document, or with a qualified professional.