Tokyo municipalities accelerate influenza vaccinations due to early infection surge

Local governments in Tokyo are accelerating influenza vaccination schedules due to an early rise in infection rates. In Setagaya City, vaccinations for children (6 months to 18 years) and seniors (65 and older) began on September 16, approximately two weeks earlier than in previous years. This move follows a sharp increase in cases, with one medical institution reporting an average of 7.68 infections per person in a single week.

Koto City has also commenced vaccinations for children. The trend of early immunization is spreading across the Tokyo metropolitan area, with most of the 23 wards expected to start vaccinations at least one week ahead of schedule to combat the ongoing spread, which has already led to several school class closures.

In Tokorozawa, Matsuba Clinic has announced that vaccinations for residents aged 65 and older will be available starting October 1, while general vaccinations will begin on October 7 following a reservation period starting October 2.