Flu shots in Japan 2026: who gets the subsidised shot, what others pay, and how to book

Summary: The 2026/27 flu vaccination season in Japan is under way, and this year the flu season started earlier than usual (Yokohama City). If you are 65 or older (or 60 to 64 with certain severe disabilities), your city or ward pays part of the cost under the routine vaccination (teiki sesshu) scheme. In Yokohama, for example, you pay ¥2,300 until 31 December 2026. Everyone else gets a voluntary shot (nin’i sesshu), and the price is set by each clinic. This guide shows how to check which group you are in, what you will pay, and how to book.

Based on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) notice of 16 September 2026 and Yokohama City’s page (updated 14 October 2026). Checked on 26 October 2026.

Who gets the subsidised (routine) flu shot
Three checks before you go
Example: Yokohama City (routine shot)
Is there enough vaccine?
What to do now
Related
Sources

Who gets the subsidised (routine) flu shot

People aged 65 or older
People aged 60 to 64 with a severe disability of the heart, kidneys or lungs, or of the immune system due to HIV (about grade 1 on the disability certificate)

You need to be registered as a resident of the city or ward that runs the scheme. Nationality does not matter. Children and most adults under 65 are not in the routine scheme. Their shot is voluntary and they pay the clinic’s price. Some cities have their own subsidy for children or other groups, so check your city’s website.

Three checks before you go

Getting a flu shot in Japan: three checks — Three checks for a flu shot in Japan (based on the MHLW notice and Yokohama City)

Your group. Routine (65+ and the 60 to 64 group above) or voluntary (everyone else).
Your city’s period and price. For the routine shot, the end date and your share of the cost are set by each city. Search for your city name plus “koreisha influenza yobo sesshu” (高齢者インフルエンザ予防接種). Do not rely on last year’s price.
Book with the clinic. Phone or check the website of a clinic near you. Ask whether they have stock and, for a voluntary shot, how much it costs.

Example: Yokohama City (routine shot)

Period: late September to 31 December 2026 (except clinic holidays)
Your share: ¥2,300. It is free for people in households where everyone is exempt from city residence tax, people on public assistance (seikatsu hogo) and some other groups, if they bring the required document.
Number of shots: one. If you get a second shot, you pay the full price for it.
What to bring: ID showing your address, name and age (for example a My Number card or driving licence). The questionnaire (yoshinhyo) is at the clinic and is not sent to your home.
After 31 December, the ¥2,300 or free price no longer applies.
This season the high-dose flu vaccine is not used in the routine scheme. Only the standard vaccine is used.

Other cities have different end dates and prices. Check your own city’s page for this season.

Is there enough vaccine?

The MHLW expects about 51.9 million doses of flu vaccine for the 2026/27 season, more than recent use, with the full amount shipped by the fourth week of October. The flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine can be given on the same day if the doctor thinks it is needed (Yokohama City).

If you are not sure which clinic to go to or what to bring to a Japanese clinic, see Seeing a doctor in Japan: clinic or hospital, what to bring.

What to do now

Check whether you are in the routine group (65+, or 60 to 64 with a severe disability).
If yes, check your city’s end date and price for this season, and whether you qualify for a free shot.
Phone a nearby clinic to book and ask about stock and price.
Bring your ID (and the document for a free shot, if you need one).