Job Discussion Forums

tails · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 6

Hi all, especially those of you based in Hokkaido!

I just got back from the vaccination centre where the nurse I saw seemed genuinely non-plussed as to whether I should get vaccinations for Japanese Encephalitis. She said there are two types I could need, mosquito born Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis. Each one needs 3 jabs - total price �300!!!! Thats about the same as my flight to Japan.

I am curious as to the those of you currently living in Hokkaido, how many had either vaccination before you left. I will be living in a city on the coast (Tomakomai) but will no doubt want to want to go walking, and explore the countryside and more rural areas at some point.

Any advice or insight will be much appreciated as I need to make a decision this week. I dont want to spend �300 but I also dont really wanna fry my brain if possible (alcohol excluded of course!).

Cheers guys...

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Been living in Hokkaido since 1998. Never had a shot and never knew anyone else who did.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Don't let the name fool you. Japanese encephalitis is common in South-East Asia and other tropical areas and almost unheard of in Japan. I've lived here 8 years and have never laid eyes on a tick and the vaccination is thought not to be very effective anyway. You don't need shots for Japan, it's a very modern, developed country.

If you plan on travelling in other Asian countries at all while you're here look at getting vaccines for Hep A and typhoid and make sure your tetanus is up to date. Some vaccines such as typhoid are not generally available in Japan so it's better to have these at home- only if you are planning to go to India, Vietnam etc, not at all necessary for Japan itself.

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

Save the money. Buy beer.

lalalateda · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 72 Location: JAPAN

I used to live in Hokkaido. I never had these shots and I've never heard any one talk about them. I wouldn't bother. If you are really concerned about it, you might see how much it would cost to get the shots here. It may be significantly less.

tails · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 6

Thanks all - I appreciate the advice.

I am not gonna bother getting the jabs, but should I catch any form of brain rot at all I will be coming looking for you all Wink

Catch ya later

guitarcries · Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 21 Location: Japan

I can only agree with what has already been said... never heard as much of a peep about it from anyone else here in Hokkaido, even those who have been here for 10+ years.