HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine

This page is a summary of the original Japanese webpage published by the Ginowan City Health Promotion Division on the HPV vaccine. The information on this English page is as of December 2022 and is subject to change without prior notice. The original Japanese page can be accessed here. 

Ginowan City Office and its translator will individually or jointly accept no responsibility or liability for damage or loss caused by any error, inaccuracy, misunderstanding, or changes in regard to this translation.

Cervical cancer is a cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus.

According to the National Cancer Research Centre, the number of cervical cancer patients in Japan is reported to be around 11,000, with the number of patients in their 20s and 30s growing.

In many cases, there are almost no symptoms in its early stages. Delays in diagnosis may affect pregnancy and childbirth. 

The HPV vaccine protects against certain strains of the human papillomavirus that may cause cervical cancer. The two types of vaccine that are fully subsidized by the government are the Cervarix (bivalent) and Gardasil (quadrivalent) vaccine that provides protection against HPV types 16 and 18, which are known to cause 50-70% of cervical cancers. 

Regular screening can prevent cervical cancer by finding changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. Regardless of vaccination, it is recommended that women over 20 years of age receive a checkup once every two years.

Girls in grade 6-grade 10 (must be Ginowan residents)

*girls born between 2006 and 2007 are eligible to receive the vaccine until March 31, 2025. 

Anytime between grade 6 and grade 10

Free as long as the vaccine is received in the period mentioned above.

*Those who opt to get vaccinated at a non-designated medical facility and those who get vaccinated outside of the period during which the vaccine is fully subsidized must bear the full cost of vaccination (~17,000 yen per dose). 

See below for a list of designated hospitals administering the HPV vaccine. 

If you opt for your child to get vaccinated at a non-designated hospital, you must contact the Health Promotion Division in advance. The cost of vaccines received at non-designated medical facilities will not be covered. 

• Mother and Child Health Handbook
• Health insurance card
• Prevaccination questionnaire

The parent or guardian must sign the prevaccination questionnaire. Those over 16 years old can provide their own signature. Children under 16 must be acccompanied by a parent or guardian. 13-16 year olds can get vaccinated without the company of a parent or guardian as long as the prevaccination questionnaire is signed in advance. It is recommended, however, that parents/guardians accompany their child in case they develop an adverse reaction to the vaccine. 

Two types of HPV vaccine are covered by the government, both given as three doses courses and protecting against HPV types 16 and 18, which are known to significantly increase the risk of cervical cancer.

*As of April 2022, Gardasil 9 (recombinant 9-valent vaccine) is not included as part of the routine vaccination program. 

Immunization can be completed in as little as 5 months.

• Standard interval between doses:
  • at least one month between the 1st and 2nd dose, and
  • 6 months or more between the 1st and 3rd dose
• Shortest possible interval between doses:
  • at least one month between the 1st and 2nd dose, and
  • 5 months or more between the 1st and 3rd dose where the interval between the 2nd and 3rd dose must be 2.5 months or more

Immunization can be completed in as little as 4 months.

• Standard interval between doses
  • 2 months between the 1st and 2nd dose, and
  • 6 months or more between the 1st and 3rd dose
• Shortest possible interval between doses
  • one month or more between the 1st and 2nd dose, and
  • 3 months or more between the 2nd and 3rd dose

The COVID-19 cannot be administered at the same time as other vaccines. There must be an interval of at least two weeks between the COVID-19 vaccine and other types of vaccines. 

The catchup immunization program is designed to give women who did not get get an opportunity to get vaccinated for HPV due to the government having refrained from actively recommending it (by not mailing out notices to households with children eligible for the vaccine) a chance to get vaccinated. 

Women born April 2, 1997-April 1, 2006

*As a general rule, those who are only now completing the vaccination series will be administered the same type of vaccine that they had received previously. 

Women who missed the opportunity to receive the HPV vaccine under government coverage due to th government not having actively encouraged immunization and paid out of pocket for the shot after missing the eligibility period can apply for a reimbursement as long as they fulfill the following:

1. She was a registered resident of Ginowan City as of April 1, 2022
2. She was born April 2, 1997-April 1, 2005 and paid out of pocket to receive the Cervarix bivalent vaccine OR Gardasil quadrivalent vaccine after having missed the eligibility period.
3. The doses for which she is applying reimbursement was not administered under the catch-up immunization program.
4. She has not received reimbursement from another municipality. 

*Only the doses received between the period when the individual was enrolled in grade 11 (17 years old) and March 31, 2022 are eligible for coverage. 

*Gardasil 9 is not eligible for reimbursement.

Claims can be submitted any time until March 31, 2025. 

1. Reimbursement form (1)
2. Proof of payment for the HPV vaccine (must be original) 
   • must contain the inoculation date, vaccine name, cost of the immunization, name of hospital
3. Vaccination record
   • Mother and Child Health Handbook, certificate of completion of vaccination, etc., OR
   • Reimbursement form (2) completed by the hospital that administered the vaccine
4. Copy of bank book
   • showing the name of the bank, account holder's name, and account number 
5. Applicant's ID (driver's license, health insurance card, etc.)
   • must contain address as of date of application, name, and date of birth
   • if the applicant and vaccinated person are two different individuals, the IDs of both people are required
6. Power of attorney (only if the applicant and vaccinated individual are different people)
   • not required if the individuals belong to the same household or if their relationship is guardian and child

Forms can be downloaded through the link here.

The government will reimburse up to 3 doses of the HPV vaccine received. 

Miscellaneous expenses such as transportation expenses, accommodation expenses, and issuance fees documents will not be reimbursed.

*If the applicant is unable to provide a proof of payment, the city will determine the reimbursement amount.

If there are no errors on the application form, it will take roughly 2 months for the reimbursement to be deposited into the applicant's bank account. The date of deposit can be found on the notice that will be mailed to approved applicants.

Submit the application form and necessary documents in person or by mail. 

Mailing address

Addressee: 健康増進課予防係　担当宛 (kenkozoshin-ka yobo-gakari tanto-ate)

Address: 1-13-15 Maehara, Ginowan City 901-2215

📞 098-898-5596   

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. -5:15 p.m. (excluding weekends, holidays and the New Year period)

If you or your child is experiencing adverse side effects from the vaccine, please contact your doctor. 

For inquiries or other concerns

• Okinawa Prefecture Health and Medical Department: 098-866-2013

For inquiries and concerns related to school

• Okinawa Prefecture Education Bureau: 098-866-2726

For inquiries regarding the HPV vaccine, other vaccines, influenza, sexual transmitted diseases, and other infectious diseases

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Infectious Diseases and Immunization Consultation Hotline: 050-3818-2242

Regarding the Relief System for Injury to Health with Vaccination

• Ginowan City Office Health Promotion Division: 098-898-5583