Q1. Should I get a flu shot?

The infection rate for influenza between vaccinated and unvaccinated people is clearly lower in vaccinated people. Also, even if you get vaccinated and get infected with influenza, serious life-threatening complications (influenza encephalitis, influenza pneumonia, etc.) can be prevented. Based on the above, we recommend influenza vaccination, especially for those aged 6 months to preschool age and the elderly (over 65 years old), who have relatively low immunity to infection.

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Q2. How many times should I get the influenza vaccination? Are the vaccination doses different for adults and children?

For those aged 6 months to under 3 years old, receive 2 doses of 0.25ml. (Children under 6 months old cannot be vaccinated)
Those aged 3 to under 13 are vaccinated with 2 doses of 0.5ml.
People aged 13 and over (including adults) will receive a single 0.5ml vaccination.

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Q3. When should I get the influenza vaccination?

Normally, in order to prevent the onset of influenza during the year-end and New Year holidays, people aged 6 months to under 13 years old (those who receive two doses) should receive the first dose around October 1st to November 15th, and the second dose around October 1st to November 15th. It is effective to vaccinate between 10/1 and 12/1 for those aged 13 and over (one-dose vaccination) between 11/1 and 12/15.
In addition, it is recommended that test takers and those planning to travel to Japan get vaccinated 3 to 4 weeks before the date of travel.

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Q4. If I receive two doses of influenza vaccine, how long should I wait between the first and second doses?

Normally, vaccinations can be given at intervals of 1 to 4 weeks, but considering the immune effect, it is necessary to administer the vaccination every 3 to 4 weeks for those aged 6 months to under 13 years old, and for those aged 13 years or older (normally one vaccination, but a second vaccination is required). If you wish to be vaccinated, it is recommended to wait 1 to 4 weeks. (Excerpt from the manual)

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Q5. Can I get the influenza vaccine and other vaccines at the same time?

In principle, simultaneous vaccinations are possible if the parents wish.
*We do not accept reservations for [HIB, pneumococcus, 4-type combination, hepatitis B, rotavirus, BCG, and new coronavirus] at the influenza vaccination outpatient clinic on Saturdays.
 

Q6. Can I get other types of vaccinations between the first and second flu vaccination?

Other vaccinations can be given one week after the influenza vaccination.

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Q7. What should be the interval between vaccinations for the new coronavirus vaccine?

Please be aware that according to a notification from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, there should be a two-week interval between vaccinations for the new coronavirus vaccine and other vaccines.

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Q8. I had the flu last year, is it okay if I don't get vaccinated this year?

Antibodies obtained through influenza vaccination do not provide lifelong immunity, so annual vaccination is required to prevent influenza infection.

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Q9. How long is the influenza vaccine effective?

When two doses of influenza vaccine are administered three weeks apart, 77% of recipients achieve a level of effective protection one month after vaccination. The effective antibody level is 78.8% at 3 months after vaccination, but decreases to 50.8% at 5 months. It has been shown that the efficacy lasts for three months when the antigenic types of the circulating virus and the virus contained in the vaccine match. (Excerpt from the manual)

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Q10. Can pregnant women get the influenza vaccine?

After consulting with your obstetrician and gynecologist, if the risk of not getting vaccinated outweighs the risk of getting vaccinated, you can get vaccinated if you wish.

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Q11. Can I get the influenza vaccination even if I have an egg allergy?

If you have a mild egg allergy, you can basically get vaccinated. However, the influenza vaccine contains ingredients derived from chicken eggs, so if you have ever had an allergic reaction to eggs, we recommend that you consult your doctor in advance about whether or not you should be vaccinated.

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Q12. I heard that influenza vaccination is not effective for babies under 1 year old. Is this true?

Generally, babies who are breastfed have some degree of immunity until around 6 months old, but after that, their immunity gradually declines and they become susceptible to viral infections (influenza, norovirus, rota rota, RS, etc.). ). This tendency is especially strong for babies who live in groups such as nursery schools.

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Therefore, to prevent influenza infection and avoid the risk of complications (influenza encephalitis, encephalopathy, etc.), it is considered effective to give influenza vaccination to infants between 6 months and 1 year of age.

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Q13. Should adults also be vaccinated twice?

Two doses will be given to those who wish to receive the vaccination, depending on their lifestyle.
Inoculation intervals are usually 1 to 4 weeks, but considering the immune effect, 4 weeks is recommended. (Excerpt from the manual)

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●Reference example

① Those who are raising children while working.
② Those who are planning to go abroad.
③Those who are preparing to take the entrance exam.
④People who may have asthma attacks when they catch a cold.
⑤ Those who are not confident in their physical strength.
⑥Persons with chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, cancer, etc.).
 

Q14. What should I be careful about regarding side reactions?

If the injection site is red, swollen, hot to the touch, or itchy, use ice packs or ice to cool the area thoroughly and take first aid measures. If you have a fever of 38.0 or higher, take first aid by thoroughly cooling the back of your neck, armpits, and groin with ice packs or ice.
Other side effects may occur, such as a mild cough, runny nose, fatigue, and hives.
If any symptoms do not subside for more than 12 hours, please consult a clinic.