Part of our Healthcare for Families in Tokyo guide. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Flu season in Tokyo usually builds through December and peaks in January and February — the same months daycares and schools see the most closures. The seasonal flu vaccine isn’t part of Japan’s free routine schedule for children, so many newly arrived parents aren’t sure whether to get it, how many doses their child needs, or what it costs. The good news: most Tokyo wards now subsidize it for children, some fully.
Is the flu vaccine routine for children in Japan?
No. For children, the seasonal flu vaccine is an optional vaccination (任意接種, nini sesshu), unlike routine vaccines such as MR or the five-in-one, which are free on the ward’s schedule. Optional vaccines are normally paid for out of pocket — but many wards run their own subsidy for children’s flu shots each autumn.
How many doses does my child need?
- Injection, ages 6 months to 12 years: two doses, usually given two to four weeks apart.
- Injection, ages 13 and over: usually one dose.
- Nasal spray (FluMist), ages 2 to 18: one dose, sprayed into the nose — no needle.
Children under 6 months can’t be vaccinated, so vaccinating parents and older siblings helps protect them.
Injection or FluMist?
FluMist is a live attenuated vaccine given as a nasal spray, available in Japan for ages 2 to 18. Many children (and parents) prefer it because it’s one dose and needle-free. It isn’t suitable for every child — for example, some children with certain medical conditions, or those in close contact with severely immunocompromised people — and it’s usually more expensive than the injection. Ward subsidies generally let you choose one type or the other, not both. Ask your pediatrician which is right for your child.
Ward subsidies for the 2026–27 season
Each ward sets its own eligibility, subsidy amount and dates. Examples from official ward pages for this season:
- Setagaya: subsidy available from September 16, 2026 to January 31, 2027, for residents aged 6 months to 18 (high school age). Injection (two doses under 13, one dose from 13) or FluMist for ages 2–18 — one or the other.
- Meguro: from September 18, 2026 to January 31, 2027, for residents from 6 months to high school age. Injection or nasal vaccine, one type only. Vaccinations outside the period are fully self-paid.
- Chiyoda: free flu vaccination for children up to high school age.
- Shinagawa: partial subsidy for children’s flu vaccination this season.
- Taito: subsidy began September 25, 2026.
- Minato and Shibuya: both run children’s subsidies. Minato requires a ward-issued voucher — local clinics advise that you can’t use the subsidy without bringing it.
Subsidy amounts range from a partial discount to the full cost, and some wards require you to use participating clinics in the ward. Check your ward’s page for the current amount, eligible clinics and what to bring (usually the voucher or ward notice, the child’s insurance card and the Maternal and Child Health Handbook or vaccination record).
What does it cost without a subsidy?
Prices are set by each clinic. Without a subsidy, expect to pay several thousand yen per injection dose, and more for FluMist. Clinics usually list the current season’s prices on their websites from September.
When to book
- Book in October. Popular pediatric clinics fill flu-shot slots quickly, especially for FluMist.
- Aim to finish by mid-December. Protection builds about two weeks after vaccination, and children under 13 getting injections need two doses a few weeks apart.
- Coordinate with routine vaccines. Your pediatrician can advise on timing if your child also has routine vaccines due.
Before the appointment
- Fill in the pre-vaccination questionnaire (予診票, yoshinhyō), often available in English at international-friendly clinics.
- Take your child’s temperature on the day. Clinics usually won’t vaccinate with a fever of 37.5°C or higher.
- Tell the doctor about allergies (including severe egg allergy), past reactions to vaccines, and any medical conditions.
- Bring the insurance card, the ward voucher if required, and vaccination records.
If you don’t have a regular clinic yet, our guide to finding an English-speaking pediatrician covers where to start.
If your child gets flu anyway
Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness but doesn’t prevent every case. If your child has a high fever, see a doctor — flu tests and antiviral medicines are widely available. Daycares and schools have rules on how long a child with flu must stay home; see our guide to daycare sick days and return rules. For urgent advice at night, Tokyo’s pediatric phone line is #8000.
FAQ
Is the child medical subsidy certificate used for flu shots?
No. The child medical subsidy covers insured medical treatment, not optional vaccinations. Flu shot support comes through the ward’s separate vaccination subsidy.
Can adults get the subsidy?
Ward children’s subsidies cover children only. Older adults are covered by a separate routine program; other adults usually pay themselves, though some employers and health insurance societies offer support.
We arrived after the subsidy started. Can we still use it?
Usually yes, if your child is a registered resident and the subsidy period hasn’t ended. Ask the ward how to get the voucher if one is required.
Sources and official information
- Setagaya City — Children’s influenza vaccination subsidy (Japanese)
- Meguro City — Children’s influenza vaccination subsidy, FY2026 (Japanese)
- Chiyoda City — Free influenza vaccination for children up to high school age (Japanese)
- Shinagawa City — Children’s influenza vaccination subsidy, FY2026 (Japanese)
- Taito City — Children’s influenza vaccination subsidy (Japanese)
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor about your child’s vaccinations. See our editorial policy.
Featured image: Influenza vaccine syringes by Epolk, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
