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'.
I will get a vaccination next week.
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.
I took my child 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.
I got a shot yesterday.
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).
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.
A new vaccine has been developed.
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.
I got the COVID vaccination.
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.
The doctor vaccinated the patient.
Have you had your flu vaccination?
Vaccination rates are increasing.
予防接種の予約を取らなきゃ。
I need to make an appointment for a vaccination.
This vaccine requires two doses.