Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of vaccination is commonly expressed with the noun ワクチン接種 (wakuchin sesshu) or the verb 接種する (sesshu suru). For everyday conversation, especially with children, 予防接種 (yobō sesshu) is widely used. The loanword ワクチン (wakuchin) refers to the vaccine itself, not the act.
To talk about getting a vaccination or giving a shot.
Standard term for vaccination, used in medical and official contexts. Often used with する to mean 'to vaccinate'.
来週、ワクチン接種を受けます。
I will get a vaccination next week.
ワクチン接種が始まりました。
Vaccinations have begun.
Common term for preventive vaccination, often used for routine immunizations, especially for children. Slightly more everyday than ワクチン接種.
子供の予防接種に行ってきました。
I took my child for a vaccination.
予防接種の予約を取らなきゃ。
I need to make an appointment for a vaccination.
Casual way to say 'to get a shot' or 'to give a shot'. Literally 'to inject a vaccine'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
昨日、ワクチンを打ってもらった。
I got a shot yesterday.
ワクチンを打つのは痛かった？
Did it hurt when you got the shot?
Short for ワクチン接種 or 予防接種. Used in compounds or formal writing. Can be combined with other words like 接種会場 (vaccination site).
接種券が届きました。
I received my vaccination voucher.
To refer to the substance injected.
Loanword for 'vaccine'. Use this when talking about the vaccine product, not the act of vaccination.
新しいワクチンが開発された。
A new vaccine has been developed.
このワクチンは2回接種が必要です。
This vaccine requires two doses.
Both mean 'vaccination'. ワクチン接種 is more clinical and often used for specific campaigns (e.g., COVID-19). 予防接種 is broader and commonly used for routine immunizations, especially for children. In daily life, 予防接種 may sound slightly more familiar.
コロナのワクチン接種を受けた。
I got the COVID vaccination.
子どもの予防接種スケジュールを確認する。
Check the child's vaccination schedule.
You can use 接種する (sesshu suru) as a transitive verb meaning 'to vaccinate' or 'to inoculate'. It is formal and often used in medical contexts. The object takes を.
医師が患者にワクチンを接種した。
The doctor vaccinated the patient.
インフルエンザの予防接種は受けましたか？
Have you had your flu vaccination?
ワクチン接種率が上がっています。
Vaccination rates are increasing.