予防接種(よぼうせっしゅ)

A compound of 予防(よぼう) (prevention) and 接種(せっしゅ) (inoculation). This is the formal term for vaccination, used in medical and official contexts.

Usage

The standard expression is 予防接種(よぼうせっしゅ)を受(う)ける (to receive a vaccination). In casual speech, ワクチンを打(う)つ (to get a shot) is more common.

Common collocations

• 予防接種(よぼうせっしゅ)を受(う)ける: to get vaccinated
• 予防接種(よぼうせっしゅ)証明書(しょうめいしょ): vaccination certificate
• 定期(ていき)予防接種(よぼうせっしゅ): routine/scheduled vaccination
• 任意(にんい)予防接種(よぼうせっしゅ): optional vaccination

Cultural note

Japan distinguishes between 定期(ていき) (routine, government-covered) and 任意(にんい) (optional, self-pay) vaccinations. Routine vaccinations for children are administered at local clinics with a 母子手帳(ぼしてちょう) (maternal and child health handbook).