Translation guide
The concept of making a person or animal immune to a disease, typically by vaccination. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 予防接種 (yobō sesshu), but other expressions exist depending on context.
The act or process of making someone immune, usually by injection.
The standard term for immunization/vaccination. Used in medical, official, and everyday contexts.
子供に予防接種を受けさせる。
I have my child get immunized.
予防接種の予約を取った。
I made an appointment for a vaccination.
Specifically 'vaccination' (vaccine inoculation). Often used interchangeably with 予防接種, but emphasizes the vaccine itself.
ワクチン接種が進んでいる。
Vaccination is progressing.
A technical/medical term meaning 'immunization' in the sense of conferring immunity. Used in scientific literature.
このワクチンは高い免疫付与効果がある。
This vaccine has a high immunization effect.
Referring to immunization schedules, campaigns, or policies.
Immunization program. Common in public health contexts.
国の予防接種プログラムに従ってください。
Please follow the national immunization program.
Routine immunization (scheduled vaccinations). Often used for childhood vaccines.
定期予防接種は無料です。
Routine immunizations are free.
Documentation proving immunization status.
Immunization certificate. Official document.
留学のために予防接種証明書が必要です。
I need an immunization certificate for studying abroad.
Maternal and child health handbook, which includes immunization records for children in Japan.
母子手帳に予防接種の記録があります。
The immunization record is in the maternal and child health handbook.
予防接種 is the broader term for immunization, while ワクチン (vaccine) refers to the substance. ワクチン接種 is common in news about COVID-19 or flu shots. In casual conversation, people often say ワクチンを打つ (get a vaccine shot).
The direct translation 免疫化 (men'ekika) exists but is rarely used outside technical medical contexts. Stick to 予防接種 for general use.