HOW TO | OMICRON VACCINE BOOSTER SHOT YOKOHAMA

I finally received my 4th COVID-19 vaccine shot here in Yokohama, and I thought I should offer a brief guide on how to book your appointment if you live in the Yokohama area! Although this vaccine has been available since about April 2022, I was a bit behind, but now I've finally caught up!

Here's how you too can get caught up if you're finding yourself confused about how to book an appointment!

STEP 1: RECEIVE THE VOUCHER

The first step is to receive a notification in the mail that contains your voucher and important paperwork for the day of the vaccination. The 4th shot voucher is pink in color and it has some important information such as:

• Your name, address, birth date 
• Your voucher number 
• The date you are eligible to get the shot
• A place for your "Certification of vaccination for COVID-19" sticker
• All prior vaccinations with the date, maker, and lot number

STEP 2: READ INFO ON THE VACCINATION

You may have also received a lot of reading material explaining the side effects, etc. of the vaccination. I have put the links to English translations below!

• Instructions for the COVID-19 vaccination 
• Information on the booster shot (fourth dose)
• More Information on the side effects of Moderna and Pfizer

STEP 3: MAKE YOUR RESERVATION

With your voucher in hand, you'll need to make your reservation. There are several ways to make a reservation.

• FAX
• 045-550-4226
• Form (Japanese only)
• CALL
• 0120-045-112 (9am-7pm (including weekends/holidays & available in 8 languages)
• 0120-045-154 (9 am to 7 pm) (Cancellation line)
• ONLINE
• Website (only supports Edge or Chrome browsers)
• Sign-up instructions (In Japanese but has pictures and you can translate using Google)
• I personally used this method for all of my shots, so you can message me if you need help!

STEP 4: FILL OUT THE PRE-VACCINATION QUESTIONNAIRE

Once you've made your reservation, you'll see a sheet of paper that looks like one sheet with carbon copies behind it. This is called a "Pre-Vaccination Screening Questionnaire" and you need to fill this out on the day of the vaccination but before you arrive at the venue/office. When you arrive, they will make sure this is filled out correctly.

Here is an English translation: HERE

STEP 5: PREPARE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

• Make yourself make a memo of the time/date of your appointment
• Hydrate the day before and the day of your appointment
• Things to bring:
• Voucher
• Pre-Vaccination Screening Questionnaire
• Official form of ID (Mynumber card, Zairyuu card, Health Insurance card, etc.)
• Medicine book/kusuri techo (In the case you take medication)

STEP 6: ON THE DAY

• Wear clothing that allows you to easily bare your upper arm.
• Take your temperature, and if it is clear that you have a fever or are otherwise feeling unwell, you should cancel and reschedule your reservation.
• Common questions you may receive on the day:
• Do you have any allergies?
• Did you have any side effects from previous vaccinations?
• Do you drink?
• Which arm do you want to receive the vaccination?
• You'll be asked to wait at least 15 minutes after the shot, and then you're free to go!

STEP 7: RELAX AND STAY HYDRATED

After the vaccination, I usually drink Aquarius or Pocari sweat and just take it easy. My 1st and 2nd doses were the most miserable, so I also took off work the next day. But, my 3rd and 4th weren't so bad! Just a sore arm and muscle aches.

STEP 8: 5TH BOOSTER SHOT PREPARATION

 As of today, 2/18/2023, Japan should be shipping out the vouchers for the 5th shot. Please look out for a purple envelope and a purple voucher!