ryo

For individuals with chronic illnesses (underlying conditions) such as diabetes, heart disease, or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), influenza is not just a common cold; it is an extremely dangerous threat that increases the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death by 5 to 10 times or more. Especially since a highly virulent Type A virus is predicted to circulate in the 2025 season, vaccination is positioned as an "essential medical procedure to save lives."While the prevention of illness for people with underlying conditions may be a moderate 30% to 50%, the influenza vaccine demonstrates overwhelming figures for the prevention of severe illness (80% to 95%) and prevention of hospitalization (70% to 90%). Scientific evidence clearly shows that the mortality risk increases by 60% to 80% if the shot is not administered.

The side effects that occur after an influenza vaccination, such as "sore arm," "fever," and "malaise," are essentially "proof that your immune system has properly awakened" and is preparing to fight the virus.The true nature of the side effect is the release of inflammatory substances called "cytokines" by immune cells (macrophages) that recognize the foreign material (vaccine antigen) in the body. If these cytokines cause local blood vessels to dilate, it leads to arm swelling; if they stimulate the brain's thermoregulatory center, it leads to fever. Fever is an "immune strategy" designed to activate the immune system and is by no means a sign of a weak body.

Getting the influenza vaccine is an essential preventative measure for children (6 months to 12 years old) who are in group settings, as it helps contain the epidemic and prevents severe illness in the child themselves. For children under 13 years old, "2 doses" are mandatory to ensure proper immunity, and it is recommended to receive them 2 to 4 weeks apart.As of 2025 data, children who complete the two-dose series have an illness prevention rate of 70% to 90%, and critically, the prevention of severe complications like encephalopathy and pneumonia is nearly 100%. Furthermore, good news: many municipalities offer robust subsidy programs, making the actual cost of vaccination virtually ¥0 to ¥4,000 (for both doses combined).

"Can I use health insurance for the influenza shot?"Since the influenza vaccine is intended for "prevention" rather than "treatment" of illness, it is absolutely not covered by public health insurance (National Health Insurance or Social Insurance), meaning it is 100% self-pay. This is the fundamental principle.However, a public system is in place in Japan to significantly reduce this self-pay expense. Specifically, routine vaccination for those aged 65 and over is made virtually free through public funds (taxes), and it is very common for children to receive subsidies from local municipalities and for company employees to receive assistance from their health insurance unions.

The influenza vaccine is not covered by public health insurance (100% self-pay), so the fee varies depending on the medical institution, vaccine type, and local subsidy programs. As of 2025, the standard price range for adults is ¥3,500 to ¥5,000 per dose. While children are recommended to receive two doses (effectively double the cost), numerous cases show that local government subsidies can reduce the cost by nearly half.(Reference: Based on data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, local governments, and medical institutions. Prices are inclusive of tax, estimated, and subject to change. Prior booking and confirmation are advised.)