Influenza Vaccination in Osaka: Protect Yourself Before the Flu Season Peaks | Flu Shots for Travelers and International Residents (¥4,800)

■The Flu Season Has Started Early in Japan This Year

Japan declared the start of the 2026/27 influenza season in late August, one of the earliest starts in more than 25 years. Influenza usually peaks in Japan between January and March, but this season cases are already increasing, especially among school-age children.

Whether you are visiting Japan for a few weeks or living in Osaka, influenza vaccination is the most effective way to reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill. Our clinic offers influenza vaccination from September 24, 2026, for adults and children aged 6 months and older. The fee is ¥4,800 per dose with no additional charges, and English-language support is available.

■ Why Get Vaccinated?

•  It lowers your chance of getting the flu

•  If you do get infected, it reduces the risk of severe illness such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and death

•  It helps protect the people around you, including family members, travel companions, and people at high risk

•  For travelers, it reduces the chance that influenza will lead to cancelled plans, missed flights, and days spent in a hotel room

The vaccine does not guarantee complete protection. However, its main benefit is preventing severe illness, and that benefit matters most for people at higher risk.

■ This Season’s Vaccine (2026/27)

The influenza vaccine used in Japan is an inactivated (non-live) vaccine given by injection. This season’s vaccine is trivalent, meaning it protects against three strains:

•  Influenza A (H1N1)

•  Influenza A (H3N2)

•  Influenza B (Victoria lineage)

All three strains have been updated from last season to match the viruses expected to circulate this winter. Influenza viruses change every year and protection from the vaccine decreases over time, so vaccination is recommended every year, even if you were vaccinated last season.

Because the vaccine contains no live virus, it cannot give you influenza.

■ Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. It is especially important for:

•  Adults aged 65 years or older

•  People with chronic lung disease (asthma, COPD)

•  People with heart disease

•  People with diabetes

•  People with chronic kidney disease

•  People with weakened immune systems (cancer treatment, immunosuppressive medication)

•  Pregnant women

•  Young children

•  People who live with or care for anyone listed above

•  Travelers planning to spend time in crowded places such as theme parks, festivals, concerts, or public transportation

■ When to Get Vaccinated

【It takes about two weeks to work】

Protection develops about two weeks after vaccination and generally lasts through the flu season. Because the season began early this year, we recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination is available at our clinic from September 24.

【For travelers】

•  If you received a flu vaccine for this Northern Hemisphere season (2026/27) in your home country, you do not need another dose.

•  If you received a Southern Hemisphere vaccine earlier this year, or you are not sure which vaccine you had, please ask our doctor.

•  If you plan to travel within Japan or return home soon, getting vaccinated early in your stay gives the vaccine more time to take effect.

■ Number of Doses

Vaccination is available for everyone aged 6 months and older, including infants and young children.

•  Age 13 and older: 1 dose

•  Age 6 months to under 13: 2 doses, given 2 to 4 weeks apart

If your child needs two doses but you will not be in Japan long enough for the second dose, our doctor can help you plan the second dose in your home country.

■ Before Your Vaccination

Please tell the doctor if any of the following apply to you:

•  You have a fever (37.5°C / 99.5°F or higher) or feel unwell on the day. Vaccination will be postponed.

•  You have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous influenza vaccine or any of its components.

•  You have an egg allergy. The vaccine is produced using eggs, and a doctor will assess whether it is safe for you.

•  You are pregnant or may be pregnant. Influenza vaccination can be given at any stage of pregnancy and is recommended.

•  You have had Guillain-Barré syndrome, seizures, or an immune disorder, or you are taking any regular medication.

•  You have recently had, or plan to have, another vaccine. The flu vaccine can be given on the same day as a COVID-19 vaccine.

■ Possible Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and go away within two to three days:

•  Redness, swelling, or pain where the injection was given

•  Low-grade fever, headache, tiredness, or chills

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare and usually occur soon after the injection. For this reason, please stay at the clinic for about 30 minutes after vaccination.

■ Cost and Insurance

•  Influenza vaccination: ¥4,800 per dose (all ages)

•  There are no additional charges such as consultation fees. The fee is the same for the first and second doses for children.

•  Vaccination is a preventive service, so it is not covered by Japan’s National Health Insurance. It is also generally not covered by overseas travel insurance. Vaccination is provided on a self-pay basis.

■ If You Already Have Flu Symptoms

The vaccine does not treat influenza. If you already have a sudden high fever, body aches, cough, or sore throat, please see a doctor. We provide rapid influenza testing and antiviral treatment.

If someone you live or travel with has been diagnosed with influenza, preventive anti-influenza medication may also be an option. Please see our article on influenza prophylaxis.

■ Appointment

At our clinic in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, international travelers and residents can get influenza vaccination with English-language support. Vaccination starts on September 24, 2026. Please book online using the “Booking NOW” button or contact us by phone, email, or WhatsApp.

International Clinic Osaka Shinsaibashi (ICOS) provides same-day English-speaking medical care, including influenza vaccination, testing, treatment, and preventive medication. International visitors are welcome.

Address:

SURE Nishishinsaibashi 4F, 1-13-25 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan

Phone:

+81-6-6484-6392

Email:

c.icos@international-clinic-osaka.com