Japan has a different schedule to western countries for baby immunisations, and for a new mum it can all be a bit confusing at first! Here is some information that I received from my ward office in Meguro (click on the photos below to see high-resolution so you can read the contents).
Note – this information is only for the Japanese system of child immunizations. If you are following the immunization schedule of your home country, you will need to obtain this information from your doctor (there is also information available on the internet).
(these are free – vouchers will arrive in the mail from your city office)
The important thing to remember is that there is no ‘set’ vaccination schedule. This is because there are so many factors that will affect the timing of vaccinations, including when you start the vaccinations (at 2 mths or 3 mths age for example), which vaccinations you want your baby to have, and whether you will be going overseas during the vaccination period. This is why it is so important to consult with your family doctor and plan a schedule that best suits you and your baby.
Below is just one example of a baby immunization schedule in Japan.
- 3 mths
- DPT – 1st dose
- PCV – 1st dose
- Hib – 1st dose
- HepB – 1st dose
- Note – I separated these vaccinations so my baby wouldn’t be given 4 needles on the same day! My baby had DPT and HepB one week, and then Hib and PCV the following week.
- 4 mths
- BCG at the 4 mth health checkup
- 5 mths
- DPT – 2nd dose
- PCV – 2nd dose
- Hib – 2nd dose
- HepB – 2nd dose
- 6 mths
- DPT – 3rd dose
- PCV – 3rd dose
- Hib – 3rd dose
- HepB – 3rd dose
- 7 mths
- Polio – 1st dose
- 1 year
- MR
- Chickenpox
- PCV – 4th dose
- Hib – 4th dose
- 1 year 2 mths
- Polio – 2nd dose
- 1year 6 mths
- DPT – 4th dose
- 3 years
- Japanese encephalitis – 1st & 2nd dose (at interval of 1-4 wks)
- 4 years
- Japanese encephalitis – 3rd dose
- 5-6 years (year before starting primary school)
- MR
- 9 years
- Japanese encephalitis – 4th dose
- 11 years
- DT – 5th dose
- 1st year junior high school
- MR
- HPV
- 3rd year of high school
- MR

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Thanks, we just received the 7 month reminder mail the other day and this information is very helpful!