Metropolis Japan

May 27, 2021

Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine in Japan

Everything you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine in Japan

Coronavirus vaccination, doctor injecting a patient, getting first shot of covid vaccine in arm muscle. Medical doctor in protective suit and mask, process of immunization against covid-19, vector illustration

For those from other countries, Japan may seem far behind in the race to rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, with the resent approval of additional vaccine providers, the Japanese government is quickly catching up in order to prepare for the summer Olympics. Here is what you need to know about getting the vaccine in Japan and the current timeline for when you can expect to get vaccinated.

Please not that the below information if subject to change but was accurate as of June 16, 2021.

Which type of COVID-19 vaccine is Japan using?

The vaccine currently in use in Japan is a mRNA vaccine provided by Pfizer. The Japanese government has also recently approved usage of vaccines provided by Moderna and AstraZeneca, and will begin rollout of distribution soon.

Does the COVID-19 vaccine in Japan require one or two shots?

The Pfizer vaccine requires two shots taken 21 days apart from.

When will COVID-19 vaccines be available for each age group in Japan?

Health workers are currently receiving the vaccine in Japan and, as of May, the Japanese government has initiated nationwide vaccination programs for senior citizens over the age of 65 and those with preexisting medical conditions.

Japan’s state-run mass coronavirus vaccination centers have started inoculating people aged between 18 and 64 from June 17.

This app assists Japanese residents in estimating when they might be able to receive the vaccine.

What is the COVID-19 vaccination progress for Japan so far?

As of June 16, 2021, over 15 million shots have been administered to seniors over the age of 65 years and Over 9 million shots for health workers.

Where can you get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Eligibles can be vaccinated at local hospitals and clinics. To search for facilities for vaccination in your local area, please visit this website (Japanese only). Currently, the Self-Defense Forces have also set up mass vaccination sites for residents in the Greater Tokyo Area and Greater Osaka Area.

As for Tokyo, the mass vaccination sites will start operating from May 24, and reservations start from May 17. For more information regarding mass vaccination sites in Tokyo, please visit here (Japanese only).

How much will the COVID-19 vaccine cost?

The vaccine will be free of cost for all eligible.

Are foreigners in Japan eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine?

All foreign residents in Japan are eligible for vaccination.

What are the steps for getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Japan?

A vaccination ticket will be mailed to you from your local municipality office.
Reserve an appointment online or by phone.
Fill out the Pre-vaccination Screening Questionnaire (available in multiple languages).
Bring the vaccination ticket, screening questionnaire and your legal identification document (passport, residence card, driving license, etc.) to the vaccination facility.
Wear something that allows you easily roll your sleeves up (e.g. short sleeve T-shirt).

Can foreigners get vaccinated at their country’s embassy in Tokyo?

Certain countries might provide vaccines for their citizens living in Japan and working for the embassy. For example, the British government is extending care to some of its citizens abroad but not covering every British citizen. For additional and up-to-date information, please consult individual embassy websites.

Who is unable to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

People who have conditions as listed below are not eligible for vaccination:

Fever
Acute disease
A history of severe allergic reaction to vaccine such as anaphylaxis

* Please consult your physician if you are unsure of potential medical conditionals that may disqualify you for vaccination.

Who is prioritized for vaccination?

Healthcare workers
Individuals over the age of 65
Patients who have pre-existing conditions as listed below:

Chronic respiratory disease
Chronic heart disease (including high blood pressure)
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic liver disease (cirrhosis, etc.)
Diabetes patients receiving insulin treatment or suffering other diseases along with diabetes
Blood diseases (not including iron deficiency anemia)
Diseases that impair the the immune system (including malignant tumors under treatment)
Receiving treatment that reduces the function of the immune system, such as steroids
Neurological or neuromuscular diseases associated with abnormalities in immunity
Decline of physical condition due to neurological or neuromuscular diseases (e.g., breathing disorders)
Chromosomal abnormalities
Severe mental and physical disabilities (combination of severe physical disabilities and severe mental disabilities)
Sleep apnea
Severe mental illness (hospitalized for treatment, or diagnosed by certified medical organizations) or intellectual disability (holding the Rehabilitation Certificate)
BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher (Calculate your BMI here)

How will eligibles prove that they have received the COVID-19 vaccine?

Applications for “vaccine passports” are scheduled to begin on July 26 by post, yet residents can also apply through their local municipal offices in the case of an emergency. The passports can bring benefits such as shorter quarantine periods when travelling.

EU diplomats have also recommended member states to open their borders to fully vaccinated foreign travelers.

Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine in Japan

Which type of COVID-19 vaccine is Japan using?

Does the COVID-19 vaccine in Japan require one or two shots?

When will COVID-19 vaccines be available for each age group in Japan?