Sumida Ward Moves Up Flu Vaccination Start Date to September 24

Sumida Ward announced that, due to an early start to the flu season, the start date for the subsidy program covering the cost of regular flu vaccinations for elderly residents and voluntary vaccinations for children will be moved up from the originally planned October 1 to September 24. Announced on September 15, 2026. The reason given is that the number of reported flu patients in Tokyo has exceeded the epidemic threshold five weeks earlier than usual, with a similar trend observed within the ward as well. For elderly residents, the out-of-pocket cost is 2,500 yen (free for those aged 75 and over, welfare recipients, etc.), while for children, the cost of injections or nasal spray vaccines is subsidized according to age. Both programs will run until January 31, 2027, and residents are encouraged to check vaccine stock availability at each medical institution.

Source: sumida.keizai.biz