Travel Health & Vaccines for Japan| Advice for Travellers

Japan

Country of sophisticated millenarian traditions, but also manga and video games, Japan is a world apart. In the Country of the Rising Sun, over-densely populated buzzing metropolises lie next to mountains covered with dense forests, while a fascinating history peopled with Samurais, Geisha and fierce Emperors captivate the most imaginative minds. Nature in Japan is omnipresent and sometimes wild. Flocks of tourists head to the Asian country each year to witness the magic of the blossoming of thousands of cherry trees and to explore the snow topped Mount Fuji. The delightful Japanese cuisine, probably the most delicate on the planet, is maybe the most renowned treasure of the country.

INFORMATIONS ABOUT HEALTH

We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.

For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.

JAPAN – RECOMMENDED VACCINES

Hepatitis B	Recommended for all travelers.
Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine	Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). Only applicable for Quebec.
Measles – Rubella – Mumps	Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given.
Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies	For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated.
Flu – Influenza	Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure.
Information, Advice & Vaccination – Japanese Encephalitis	Recommended for the following groups visiting certain remote areas: Long-term travelers (i.e. trips lasting a month or more) to endemic areas during the Japanese encephalitis virus transmission season. Short-term (<1 month) travelers to endemic areas during the Japanese encephalitis virus transmission season if their activities will increase their risk (e.g. spending substantial time outdoors or staying in accommodations without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets.)
Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella)	Recommended for all travelers
Hepatitis A	Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to “adventurous eating”
Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever	Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to “adventurous eating”
Dengue Fever	Presence. All travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Tick-borne Encephalitis	Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites.
Lyme disease	Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites.
Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC)	Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure.

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone	Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea	Azithromycin or Suprax

MEDICAL CARES

Japan has ultra modern health care facilities with medical equipment on the cutting edge of technology. Health care is of excellent quality in the country. But note that medical fees and treatments remain extremely expensive and English-speaking doctors can be hard to find. The Japanese health care system is based on a public health insurance which is not accessible to foreigners, even if they hold a long stay visa. It is thus strongly advised that you subscribe a good travel health insurance before traveling to the country.

In case of emergency in Japan, call 119.

Be aware that stimulant drugs are strictly forbidden in Japan and that some antidepressants and drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are not available in the country. It is advised that you bring your personal medical kit, but be sure to have a medical prescription signed by your doctor, otherwise you medicines may be confiscated by custom services. A large quantity of drugs and injection syringes must be declared when you arrive in Japan.

SECURITY ABROAD

Following the 2011 incident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Japanese authorities have placed restrictions, including travel and overnight stay bans, on the plant’s surrounding area due to the risk of exposure to radiation. Always follow the instructions of local authorities.

SAN JOSÉ WEATHER

CANADIAN AMBASSY

Emergency services

In case of emergency, dial:

police: 110
medical assistance: 119
firefighters: 119