Tsar wrote: ↑December 1st, 2021, 4:00 pm
A white American family goes for seasonal flu shots but the pharmacy "makes a mistake."
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In the United States, it's probably the only nation that has such errors occuring because I know the United States healthcare system is terrible.
Something true with that, medical services in USA are known to be problematic. Some people have insurance, some not, often any medical service or prescription drugs are far overpriced etc. Badly regulated. Not really what you expect from a first world country.
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In Japan a pharmacy is not allowed to offer any vaccination. Medical services including vaccination, prescription of drugs etc. are strictly regulated, you have to go to a medical clinic or hospital to see a medical doctor.
Everybody who has an address in Japan has national health insurance, premium depends on your income. All family members with you have obligatory health insurance cover from birth up to death = for life.
Most vaccination shots are either for free or against a small fee (USD 20,- or so).
You get an information brochure about the vaccine you request and have to sign a form that you read and understood it and answer questions about your health today, about any medication you take etc. before a medical doctor (or a qualified nurse under supervision of a medical doctor) administer the shot.
Beside regular vaccinations the yearly health check is also available for everybody against a basic fee of only USD 5,- and if you require some additional options, you will be charged additionally for USD 30,- or so, surely everybody can come and is able to pay for vaccination and health check or for any required general medication.
Japanese National Health insurance services include also the dentist (including root treatment, colored crowns etc. but excluding implants) and even emergency medical services if you are outside of Japan as a tourist up to 2 months and get suddenly ill.
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EU-related health services are also considered to be fairly good, often totally free of charge. If you have a permanent address within EU - you can travel around in all EU countries, you need only your EU ID card and your EU insurance card, and any medical help including medication, hospital stay etc. are more or less for free.