COVID-19 vaccinations for infants and very young children (6 months to 4 years old)

The primary COVID-19 vaccination for infants and very young children is a series of three doses. The period through which the vaccine will be distributed for free is currently the end of March 2023, and as the vaccination is a series of three shots, to complete the primary vaccination, in general, the series must be started by January 13 at the latest.

Infants at least 6 months old through young children up to 4 years old.

Through 31 March 2023.

Vaccinations will be administered using public funds, and are free of charge for everyone.
*However, there is a possibility you will have to pay for doctor fees if you visit a clinic before or after the vaccination.

Once all three doses have been taken, the primary vaccination series is complete.

(*1) Different vaccine types and dosages are used for children ages 5-11 and for those 12 and older.
(*2) Even if more than three weeks pass between the 1 st and 2 nd shot, there is no need to start the series over. It is recommended to get the 2 nd shot as soon as the child is eligible.

[Vaccines for influenza and other diseases, waiting period after taking other vaccines ]

• Doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccines may be taken at the same time with no waiting period.
• Generally vaccines other than the influenza vaccine may not be taken at the same time. Either the other vaccine or the COVID-19 vaccine may be taken if an interval of 2 weeks has passed.

Parents and guardians are asked to ensure they are familiar with accurate information related to both the vaccines’ efficacy and risks and to discuss vaccination with their child before they make the decision to vaccinate or not. Vaccinations will not be administered without the guardian’s consent. Forcing people around you to be vaccinated or showing discriminatory treatment to those who have not been vaccinated is unacceptable.

• COVID-19 vaccines have been seen to sometimes cause side effects after they are administered, such as pain around where you were given the shot, headaches, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, chills, diarrhea, or fever. In very rare cases, recipients may experience severe symptoms such as shock or anaphylaxis. Also, as this is a newly developed vaccine, there is a possibility that other unexpected symptoms may be experienced. If you are concerned about a symptom that occurs after getting the vaccine, please consult the vaccinating doctor or your regular doctor.
• While extremely rare, cases have been reported where recipients developed myocarditis or pericarditis. If the recipient, within a few days of getting the vaccine, experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, or continually demonstrates a lack of appetite or vigor, consult a doctor or health care facility immediately.
• While extremely rare, there have been reports of developing symptoms of Guillain–Barré syndrome after receiving the mRNA-type vaccine. After getting the vaccine, if the recipient has a hard time moving their arms or legs, or continually demonstrates a lack of appetite or vigor, consult a doctor or health care facility immediately.

045-285-0719（open 24 hours）
*Guidance in languages other than Japanese also available

Side effects that continually persist after getting the shot or for specific issues that warrant informed medical consultation.
(Introductions to individual health care facilities are not provided. If you wish to be examined, consult your regular physician or the facility where you got the vaccine.)

Depending on the timing of the vaccination, the vaccine used may be different.

• If the child had their first dose at 4 years old, then the subsequent second and third doses will also use the same vaccine type.
• If the child was already 5 years old when they got their first dose, then they will receive the vaccine intended for children ages 5-11. The primary series for that vaccine is considered complete after 2 doses.
• Note that for the purposes of the vaccination, children will be considered 5 years old as of the day before their birthday.

See this page（外部サイト） for the distribution schedule.

A reservation is required to get the vaccine. (Residents who have received a voucher may make reservations.) Have your vaccination voucher ready when making your reservation.
Medical facilities (such as pediatric clinics) experienced in vaccinating very young children (ages 6 months to 4 years) will administer the COVID-19 vaccine.
*Depending on the facility, reservation methods and available times may vary.

Residents with hearing loss who cannot make reservations by phone, PC, or smartphone may make reservations for mass vaccination venues or health care facilities via fax.

• Vaccine appointments for residents with hearing loss（外部サイト）

• Please ensure the parent or guardian will accompany the child. (If this would be difficult, a relative who is familiar with the child’s state of health may accompany the child in place of the parent or guardian. A letter of proxy is not required, but the parent or guardian’s signature is required on the pre-vaccination questionnaire.)
• If the child receiving the vaccine or their accompanying parent or guardian experiences a fever or otherwise feels unwell, please cancel the reservation and make a new reservation for a different day.
• Make sure the child wears clothes that allow the doctors to administer the shot in the shoulder or thigh. Children younger than a year old will receive the shot in the thigh, so please pay particular attention when dressing them.

The pre-vaccination questionnaire, guidance, informational leaflet have been translated into 17 languages* on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website.
*English, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, Indonesian, Khmer, Korean, Mongolian, Myanmar, Nepali, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese
•Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website（外部サイト）

Residents without a regular physician can call to ask questions or concerns about the vaccination for answers and consultation (operators will provide guidance together with doctors as needed).
*Refer to the clinic where your child is regularly examined before contacting the call center.
For general questions about COVID-19 vaccinations, venues, etc.