When people think of the influenza vaccine, most picture the “domestic” standard vaccine. However, as of 2025, high-efficacy imported vaccines like the “High-Dose Fluad®” and the “Recombinant Vaccine” are rapidly becoming common in Japan.
The biggest difference between domestic and imported vaccines is the amount of antigen and the presence of an adjuvant (immune-enhancing agent). Imported vaccines, especially Fluad®, enhance these components, creating a significant difference in preventative effect compared to standard domestic vaccines, particularly in preventing hospitalization among the elderly.
Influenza Vaccine “Domestic vs. Imported”: Summary of All Types Available in Japan in 2025
| Item | Domestic Vaccines (Manufactured by Japanese Companies) | Imported Vaccines (Foreign Imports) |
| Main Manufacturers | Tanabe Mitsubishi, Kitasato Daiichi Sankyo, KM Biologics, BIKEN, Denka | Fluad (Italy/Australia) / Newly launched Recombinant Vaccine (Sanofi, USA) |
| Antigen Volume | All are “Standard Dose” (15µg per strain) | Fluad: 60µg per strain (4x standard) / Recombinant: 45µg per strain (3x standard) |
| Adjuvant (Immune Enhancer) | All are “None” | Fluad only: “MF59 included” |
| Effectiveness (Especially for the Elderly) | Standard | Fluad: +20–40% added effectiveness in preventing hospitalization |
| Egg Allergy Compatibility | Almost impossible (Cultivated in eggs) | Recombinant Vaccine only is completely egg-free |
| Price (Average Private Pay) | ¥3,500 – ¥4,500 | Fluad: ¥8,500 – ¥10,000 (Subsidized: ¥2,000 – ¥4,500) / Recombinant: ¥9,000 – ¥12,000 |
| Subsidies for Ages 65+ | Both domestic and imported receive the same subsidy | Fluad is also covered by subsidies in most municipalities in 2025 |
| Where to Get It | Almost all hospitals/clinics | Fluad: Approx. 60% of clinics/hospitals (Call to confirm) / Recombinant: Large hospitals/some specialized clinics only |
2025 “Which is Better?” Conclusion Table
| Who Are You? | Conclusion |
| Ages 65+ | Fluad (Imported) is overwhelmingly recommended. |
| Egg Allergy Sufferers | Recombinant Vaccine (US-made) is the only option. |
| Children, Pregnant Women, General Adults | Domestic is sufficient (Cheaper, and effectiveness is nearly the same). |
| Affluent people seeking the best effectiveness | Recombinant Vaccine (Newly launched, highest antibody titer). |
| People who want the cheapest option | The usual domestic vaccine. |
Summary
- Ages 65 and over → The imported Fluad is the strongest (Price is nearly the same with subsidies).
- Everyone else → The domestic vaccine is perfectly fine (The difference in effectiveness is minimal).
At-Home Testing Kit Ranking (Combined COVID-19 and Influenza)
Here is the English translation of the ranking table for at-home diagnostic kits that test for both COVID-19 and Influenza A/B:
| Rank | Product Name (Manufacturer) | Targets Detected | Sensitivity (Detection Rate) (Estimate: 12-48h Post-Onset) | Result Time | Approximate Price (Per Test) | Suitability for Pregnant Women / Children | Key Features & Availability |
| 1 | Panbio COVID-19/Flu A&B | COVID + Flu A/B | COVID: Approx. 90% | Flu: Approx. 85% | 15 mins | ¥1,980 – ¥2,480 | ◎ (Shallow Nasal Swab) |
| 2 | クイックナビ-Flu+COVID | Same (COVID + Flu A/B) | COVID: 88% | Flu: 80–85% | 15–20 mins | ¥1,780 – ¥2,200 | ◎ (Designed for children’s use) |
| 3 | KBMラインチェック nCoV/Flu | Same (COVID + Flu A/B) | COVID: 85% | Flu: Approx. 80% | 15 mins | ¥1,480 – ¥1,980 | ◎ |
| 4 | イージードック Flu＆COVID-19 | Same (COVID + Flu A/B) | COVID: 87% | Flu: 82% | 15 mins | ¥2,200 – ¥2,600 | ◎ (Many cases of use by pregnant women) |
