The Floating Torii Gate, Japan Red temple in Japan

Travel Vaccinations for Japan

Vaccines To Consider When Visiting Japan

A consultation will be completed with one of our specialist travel health nurses to assess your individual travel plans and health background before making recommendations, which can then be administered during the same appointment.

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Reflection of a temple in Japan

Destination Information for Japan

The island nation of Japan, in East Asia, is a country of contrasts. Juxtaposing ancient and modern, Japan is known for its cutting-edge developments in technology, fashion and cuisine – alongside its longstanding cultural rituals and celebrations.

During a visit to Japan, you’ll find ancient Buddhist temples, Shinto Shrines and ruined castles, alongside contemporary artwork and futuristic gadgets. There are a multitude of festivals, traditional and religious celebrations alike, the most important of which is New Year. The largest summer festival in Japan is Obon, which honours ancestral spirits, and people visit the graveyards of their villages.

There’s plenty of natural beauty to discover in Japan. From springtime cherry blossoms to the beaches of Okinawa and the iconic Mount Fuji. Go skiing in the snow-topped peaks of the alps in Honshu, soak in the hot springs at the Onsen Capital, Beppu, or clamber through an incredible primaeval forest up the 2,446 stone steps of the Haguro mountain. Lovers of lights and action should head to the capital Tokyo; this continuously evolving metropolis is populated with neon signs, towering skyscrapers and fabulous cuisine.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, spring and autumn are said to be the best times to go. In spring, it’s warm, not too rainy, and the famous cherry blossom is in full bloom – an unforgettable sight. Autumn brings equally impressive colour to the trees and temperatures have cooled after a steamy hot summer.

If you are unsure which travel vaccinations you require when visiting Japan, book a consultation and one of our nurses will take you through any potential risks. You should be up to date with your tetanus vaccination whilst seriously considering the risks of Tick-Borne Encephalitis, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Japanese encephalitis.  Additionally, book travel insurance so that you are covered in case of any unforeseen medical emergencies.

Infections and Outbreaks frequently change from country to country and by attending our clinics you will be given the most up to date clinical and safety advice from our team of specialists. Our advice to you often includes aspects such as:

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Non Vaccinated Diseases

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is primarily spread to humans either by infected ticks or animal blood. Human-to-human transmission can also occur resulting from close contact with the blood, organs or other bodily fluids of an infected person.

Scrub typhus

Scrub typhus, also known as bush typhus, is a bacterial disease that is spread to people through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites). Common symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes rash. It can usually be treated with antibiotics, however people with severe illness may develop organ failure and bleeding, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and it causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can vary in duration. The disease shares some clinical signs with Dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where Dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems Bed Bug Barrier Bedsheet
£12.99
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Leishmaniasis

A parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of an infected sandfly. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (the most common): Causes skin lesions, mainly ulcers on exposed parts of the body, causing scars and serious disability. 90% of cases are in the Americas, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and Asia. Visceral Leishmaniasis (the most dangerous): Causes enlarged spleen and liver, anaemia, weight loss and irregular bouts of fever. Highly endemic in the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa. Mucotaneous (the least common): Causes partial or total destruction of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth and throat. Most cases are found in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis, also called bilharzia, is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that lives in fresh water in subtropical and tropical regions. Avoid swimming in fresh water rivers, streams and lakes if you can. You often don't have any symptoms at first, but after a few weeks may develop a rash, high temperature, cough, diarrhoea and joint pain. Schistosomiasis can usually be treated successfully with a short course of a medication that kills the worms.

Additional Health Risks Information for Japan

Japan is considered a very safe country to visit. Crime levels are low, and although theft and personal attacks do occur, there is no obvious targeting of tourists. When in Japan, take the same level of precautions about your safety and the security of your belongings as you would at home.

Medical facilities in Japan are excellent but expensive. You will be expected to pay the full cost of your treatment, and treatment delays can occur while your travel insurance is validated. It’s a good idea to carry copies of your insurance documents with you to avoid any potential difficulties. If you take a prescription medication, carry a sufficient amount for your whole trip – the same medication may not be available in Japan. Tick-borne Encephalitis and Japanese Encephalitis are present in rural areas so consult a travel clinic for vaccines before your trip.

Japan is in a major seismic zone, and earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis are a potential danger at all times. Check the specific advice for your destination about the likelihood of a seismic event, and what you should do if you’re in an affected area. The tropical cyclone season is from June to December, with the South of Japan most affected by typhoons during this time.

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