We will start influenza vaccinations on October 1st. Reservations will be accepted from September 1st.
In addition to the regular injectable influenza vaccine, we will also offer the nasal influenza vaccine (FluMist) this year. Please read the following information carefully before making a reservation.
What is the nasal influenza vaccine?
This is a needle-free vaccination method. The vaccine is sprayed in small amounts into both nostrils.
It has been available in Japan since last year, and has been used in the United States since 2006, so it has a long history of use.
A pediatrician in Saitama Prefecture has created an easy-to-understand video about it. Please watch this as well. You can set subtitles in your preferred language on YouTube
Target patients and number of vaccinations
Injectable vaccine
- Eligible: From 6 months old
- Children under 13 years old: 2 doses (2–4 weeks apart) recommended
- Age 13 years and older: 1 dose
Nasal vaccine
- Eligible: From 2 to 18 years old
- 1 dose only
About the effects
Injectable vaccine (inactivated vaccine)
- Produces antibodies in the blood
- Effective in preventing severe illness
- Protection lasts for about 4–5 months
Nasal vaccine (live vaccine)
- Stimulates the immune system in a way similar to natural infection
- Provides similar preventive effects as the injectable vaccine
- Protection lasts for about 1 year
Neither vaccine completely prevents influenza, but both are effective at reducing the severity of illness.
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits of nasal vaccine
- No needles → no pain
- Only one dose needed
- Easy to induce mucosal immunity, with longer-lasting effect
Disadvantages of nasal vaccine
- Possible mild runny or stuffy nose
- Influenza test may remain positive for 2 weeks after vaccination
- Cannot be used if there are pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals at home
- Not suitable for patients with uncontrolled asthma
Important notes
Because the nasal vaccine is a live vaccine, the weakened influenza virus multiplies in the body for 1–2 weeks after vaccination.
Please avoid this vaccine if you live with:
- Pregnant women
- Patients undergoing chemotherapy
- Patients with severe immunodeficiency
- Patients undergoing transplant treatment
There are no restrictions for households with healthy family members.
Even though it is a live vaccine, there is no need to worry about the interval with other vaccinations.
Important: The vaccine should not be given while taking aspirin (e.g. after Kawasaki disease).
Reservations
On the reservation site, please select “Influenza Vaccination” → “Nasal Influenza Vaccine (FluMist)”.
As influenza vaccination season is very busy, we cannot accept same-day appointment changes. If you need to reschedule, please cancel and rebook in advance.
On the day of your appointment:
Please bring the coupon issued by Edogawa Ward Office.
Adults and patients from other prefectures should download, print, fill out, and bring the form in advance.
Fees
FluMist (nasal vaccine): ¥8,000 (Edogawa Ward subsidy: ¥4,000 with coupon)
Injectable vaccine: ¥4,000/dose (Edogawa Ward subsidy: ¥2,000/dose with coupon)
