Job Discussion Forums

angel1985 · Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 11 Location: Australia

Hi there.

I have searched for an answer here, but couldn't find anything which answers my question. Sorry if I am covering old ground.

I have been informed that for the job I am taking in Korea after my contract in Japan ends I need to have a TB test done and provide documentation that my Hep A/B innoculations are up to date.

I am enrolled under Shakai Hoken. Does my health insurance cover such things? I can't find anything covering it in the booklet.

Secondly, can anyone recommend a place (preferably in Nagoya, but I am prepared to travel) where I can get both the test and innoculations done?

Thanks very much.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

I've certainly heard of having to have a TB chest x-ray done... But Hep? Well, I guess Korea has different rules.... But I didn't get hep A shots until we started to visit other Southeast Asian countries (like Thailand and Malaysia) -- never bothered for Korea.

Anyway.... Here's the bad news. If you really do need it, it's bloody expensive. No, your health insurance DOESN'T cover it. Hep A is a series of 3 vaccines. It costs 10,000 yen each time you go. So do the math if you need to get 6 shots. Unlike many other countries, in Japan they DO NOT USE the combination Hep A/B vaccine. The two are separate... So indeed, if you need both, you'll pay a WAD of dough for it.

As to where.... Pretty much any clinic/hospital given advance notice will order it in for you. However, having said that, there are often some places that normally stock it but since I don't live in Nagoya, I'm not the one to ask about that.

europe2seoul · Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 17

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

keister · Joined: 18 Jan 2007 Posts: 26

Hep is prevelant in S.Korea. Get the shots, even if it costs you

europe2seoul · Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 17

angel1985 · Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 11 Location: Australia

Hi there, and thanks for the advice.

I'm pretty sure I've had both Hep A/Hep B innoculations, but until I get my records from Australia I can't be certain. Just starting to put plans in place in case I need to get them done.

They sound pricey as all get-out! I will be hoping to God I have had them done!

A more general question, I guess, would be whether anyone knows of and can recommend an English-speaking doctor in Nagoya?

bearcat · Joined: 08 May 2004 Posts: 367

There used to be a fantastic one in eastern Nagoya but he moved to Tokyo. He was bilingual and got a med degree from California too. Was a shame when he went.

The US consolate (and others) in Nagoya should have a listing of doctors if no one else on here chimes in with some suggestions.

But remember this as well. Just because they are able to speak English doesn't mean you'll get quality care from them.

madeira · Joined: 13 Jun 2004 Posts: 182 Location: Oppama

If you can't remember if you've had the shots, it's a good bet you need them again.

The last time I was in Canada, I bought a new hep vaccine that is supposed to be good for 10 years... it was about 80 CAD. I forgot it in my mom's fridge, though. The doctor who sold it to me didn't say anything about repeat doses.

Since then, I've talked about it with a Japanese doctor, and he says I shouldn't have used it anyways. Apparently the 10 year product is a blood product.. which is possibly dangerous..?

Believe me, I know nothing. I just hate shots, so thought a 10 year gap would be nice.

angel1985 · Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 11 Location: Australia

Just an update in case anyone needs this information.

The Kings Clinic in Tokyo (http://www.thekingclinic.com/) is run by staff who ALL speak English, including the receptionists.

They have two kinds of Hep A injections - Japanese (8800 yen) and imported (18,200 yen).

They have two kinds of Hep B injections - one is more effective than the other but being that I am science illiterate the chemical she listed as being present in the less expensive one evades my mind. The less expensive one is 5000 yen, the more expensive one is 9450 yen.

They charge 20,000 yen for a tuberculosis test. This includes the consultation fee.

Otherwise, they charge 12,600 for a basic appointment which is NOT COVERED by shakai hoken.

Hope this helps anyone else who may need it. I havent been to the clinic yet, but hopefully this will prove to either be an excellent starting point. As yet it looks to be the pick of the bunch, even though it's expensive.