Immunization

In the past, travelers between the U.S.A. and Japan were required to have proof of various previous immunizations prior to travel when visas were issued. Presently, there are no requirements of a visa or proof of vaccination for short term visitors. Partly because of this reason, Japanese persons, have little if any evidence of prior immunization when they arrive in the U.S.A.

A problem arises when persons who were born and raised in Japan desires to attend school or apply for a job in the U.S.A. There are statutory requirements, depending on the locality, that need to be satisfied prior to school or job applications. Because these requirements are mandated by the state (e.g. CA or NV), county (e.g. Los Angeles or Clark), or city (e.g. Los Angeles or Las Vegas), no exceptions can be made by the school or employer. Simply put, no one, including the physician, can make an exception.

The principle behind immunization is that certain diseases can be prevented partly or entirely by administering a vaccine, which contain an attenuated or modified form of the offending micro organism against which the body's own own defense system can mount an immunologic response. This response can be elicited to a greater or lesser extent for a viable amount of time, depending on the specific disease. Some older examples of vaccines are: smallpox, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, rubella, and mumps. Some newer examples are hemophilus, chicken pox, and hepatitis B. Others under investigation are AIDS, rotavirus, and anthrax.

In order for any vaccination program to be effective in a population, a very high proportion of individuals must be immune, usually at least 95%. Because of logistical, clerical, and medical reasons, 100% immunization is never achievable, even in a closely guarded and highly organized society, such as the one in Japan. In the U.S.A., for a variety of other reasons, this figure is purported to be lower, especially among recent immigrants. This is the reason why no exceptions are allowed.

Although the diseases against which immunizations are given is similar in Japan and in the U.S.A., the timing and the order in which these are administered is slightly different. This leads to confusion when enrolling children in school or pre-school. Documentation of the vaccinations is also different, further complicating matters.

If there are any questions, problems, or confusion, the staff at NIPPON MEDICAL CLINIC along with the physicians, especially the pediatricians, are ready to assist whenever necessary.