Mother in Japan - Part 10: Vaccination Schedule & Regular Checkups for First Year

Proper vaccination and regular health checkups are essential for your baby's healthy development. Understanding Japan's immunization schedule, accessing free vaccination programs, and knowing emergency contacts ensures comprehensive healthcare for your child.

Japanese Vaccination System Overview

Japan Pediatric Society 2025 Schedule

Official immunization guidance:

Updated schedule: Japan Pediatric Society (JPS) 2025/05 recommendations
English resources: Official translations available for international families
Evidence-based: Schedules based on latest medical research and safety data
Regular updates: Annual revisions reflecting new vaccines and medical knowledge

Municipal coordination:

Vaccination cards: City/ward offices send immunization records and invitation cards
Free vaccination programs: Most routine immunizations provided at no cost
Legal framework: Vaccination Law (予防接種法) governs mandatory and recommended vaccines
Age-specific timing: Precise scheduling for optimal immunity development

Types of Vaccines

Routine immunizations (定期接種):

Government-funded: Covered by public health programs
Mandatory schedule: Strongly recommended with specific timing
Free of charge: No cost to families during designated periods
Health record integration: Documented in Maternal and Child Health Handbook

Voluntary immunizations (任意接種):

Optional vaccines: Additional protection beyond routine schedule
Self-funded: Families pay for optional vaccines
Medical consultation: Discuss with pediatrician for personalized recommendations
Travel considerations: May be recommended for international travel

First Year Vaccination Schedule

Birth to 2 Months

Immediate vaccinations:

Hepatitis B:

First dose: Within 24 hours of birth (especially for high-risk infants)
Schedule: 3-dose series at 0, 1, and 6 months
Importance: Prevents serious liver infection
Universal recommendation: All infants regardless of mother's status

BCG (Tuberculosis):

Timing: Between 5-8 months of age
Single dose: One vaccination provides long-term protection
Mandatory: Required vaccination under Japanese law
School requirement: Necessary for future school enrollment

2-4 Months Core Vaccinations

Routine immunizations begin:

DPT-IPV (4-in-1 combination):

Components: Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), Tetanus, Polio
Schedule: 4 doses at 2, 3, 4, and 12-18 months
Critical protection: Prevents serious childhood diseases
High efficacy: Excellent safety profile with strong immunity

Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b):

Schedule: 4 doses at 2, 3, 4, and 12-15 months
Disease prevention: Protects against serious bacterial infections
Meningitis protection: Reduces risk of brain and spinal cord infections
Pneumonia prevention: Decreases respiratory infection risk

Pneumococcal (PCV13):

Schedule: 4 doses at 2, 3, 4, and 12-15 months
Bacterial protection: Prevents pneumococcal disease
Multiple strain coverage: Protects against 13 different disease-causing bacteria
Serious illness prevention: Reduces pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections

6-12 Months Continued Protection

Additional vaccinations:

Rotavirus:

Oral vaccine: Given by mouth, not injection
Schedule: 2 or 3 doses depending on vaccine type (2, 4, and 6 months)
Diarrhea prevention: Protects against severe gastroenteritis
Hospitalization reduction: Significantly decreases severe illness risk

Japanese Encephalitis:

Age timing: Usually begins around 6-90 months
Regional importance: Particularly important in rural areas
Mosquito-borne protection: Prevents serious brain infection
Travel considerations: Essential for families spending time in rural Japan

12+ Months Advanced Protection

Toddler vaccinations:

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella):

First dose: 12-15 months
Second dose: 4-6 years (before school entry)
High efficacy: Excellent protection against three serious diseases
School requirement: Mandatory for educational institution enrollment

Varicella (Chickenpox):

Schedule: 2 doses at 12-15 months and 4-6 years
Disease prevention: Prevents chickenpox and later shingles
Complication reduction: Decreases risk of serious skin and nervous system problems
Social benefit: Reduces transmission in community settings

Accessing Vaccination Services

Municipal Health Programs

Public health center services:

Scheduled clinics: Regular vaccination days at health centers
Appointment booking: Reserve specific times for immunizations
Comprehensive care: Combined with regular health checkups
Professional staff: Qualified nurses and physicians administer vaccines

Private clinic options:

Pediatrician offices: Individual doctor practices
Hospital clinics: Larger medical facility vaccination programs
Convenient scheduling: More flexible appointment times
Personalized care: Individual consultation and health monitoring

Documentation and Record Keeping

Maternal and Child Health Handbook:

Official record: All vaccinations documented in handbook
Bring to appointments: Required at every vaccination visit
School documentation: Needed for educational enrollment
Travel requirements: International travel may require vaccination proof

Digital tracking:

My Number integration: Some areas offer digital vaccination records
Smartphone apps: Municipal apps for appointment booking and tracking
Reminder systems: Automated notifications for upcoming vaccinations
Online access: Digital copies of vaccination records

Regular Health Checkups

Mandatory Health Screenings

Infant health examinations:

1-month checkup:

Timing: 4-5 weeks after birth
Growth assessment: Weight, height, head circumference measurement
Development evaluation: Reflexes, muscle tone, sensory responses
Feeding consultation: Breastfeeding and nutrition guidance

3-4 month checkup:

Municipal program: Usually conducted at public health centers
Motor development: Rolling, head control, reaching abilities
Social development: Smiling, eye contact, response to voices
Parent education: Guidance on safety, nutrition, and development

6-7 month checkup:

Sitting assessment: Independent sitting and balance
Fine motor skills: Grasping, transferring objects between hands
Speech development: Babbling, sound experimentation
Safety education: Childproofing and injury prevention

9-10 month checkup:

Mobility development: Crawling, pulling to stand, cruising
Communication skills: Gesture use, word comprehension
Cognitive development: Problem-solving, cause-and-effect understanding
Nutrition transition: Introduction of solid foods and feeding independence

Optional Additional Screenings

Specialized assessments:

Vision and hearing: Early detection of sensory impairments
Developmental delays: Screening for autism spectrum and other conditions
Nutritional counseling: Specialized feeding and growth consultations
Behavioral guidance: Sleep training, discipline, and behavioral development

Emergency Contacts and Medical Support

Critical Emergency Numbers

Immediate emergency services:

119 - Fire and Ambulance:

Medical emergencies: Life-threatening situations requiring immediate care
Fire emergencies: House fires, dangerous situations
24/7 availability: Round-the-clock emergency response
Location reporting: Provide precise address and situation details

#7119 - Medical Consultation (Tokyo and many prefectures):

Medical guidance: Should I call 119 or go to hospital?
24/7 professional advice: Qualified medical professionals provide guidance
Symptom assessment: Help determine urgency of medical situations
Language support: English-speaking operators available in some areas

Medical Facility Resources

HIMAWARI (Tokyo Medical Information):

Facility search: Medical facilities with foreign language support
Specialty services: Pediatric care with English-speaking staff
Emergency guidance: After-hours medical care options
Cultural support: Understanding Japanese medical system customs

AMDA International Medical Center:

Multilingual support: Professional medical interpretation services
Facility referrals: Recommendations for international-friendly healthcare
Emergency coordination: Crisis medical situation assistance
Cultural bridge: Helping navigate Japanese healthcare practices

International Family Considerations

Language and Cultural Support

Communication strategies:

Medical vocabulary: Learn essential Japanese medical terms
Translation preparation: Bring bilingual dictionaries or apps
Interpreter services: Professional medical translation
Cultural awareness: Understand Japanese medical customs and expectations

Documentation preparation:

International records: Bring vaccination records from other countries
Translation services: Professional translation of foreign medical documents
Embassy coordination: Some embassies provide medical support information
Insurance verification: Ensure international insurance coordinates with Japanese care

Travel and International Coordination

International travel preparation:

Vaccination certificates: Ensure all required immunizations documented
Health insurance coordination: International coverage and claim procedures
Emergency planning: Access to medical care while traveling
Prescription medications: Regulations for carrying medications internationally

Official Resources and Support

Government and Professional Information

Japan Pediatric Society:

2025 Immunization Schedule (English)

Osaka City reference example:

2025 Vaccination Schedule Reference (English PDF)

Emergency and medical consultation:

Medical facility resources:

Professional Support

When to seek additional help:

Vaccine hesitancy: Concerns about immunization safety or necessity
Developmental concerns: Questions about child's growth or development
Medical complications: Complex health conditions requiring specialized care
Cultural navigation: Understanding Japanese healthcare system expectations

Support resources:

Pediatric specialists: Advanced medical care for complex conditions
Public health nurses: Community health education and support
International family organizations: Peer support and practical guidance
Professional interpretation: Medical translation services for complex situations

Key Takeaways:

Follow Japan Pediatric Society 2025 immunization schedule for optimal protection
Most routine vaccinations are free through municipal health programs
Regular health checkups monitor development and catch problems early
Emergency numbers: 119 for urgent situations, #7119 for medical consultation
International families should utilize HIMAWARI and AMDA for language support

Series Conclusion: You now have comprehensive guidance for motherhood in Japan, from pregnancy notification through your child's first year of healthcare. Each step provides the foundation for successful family life in Japanese society.