In the first years of life, a child's immune system is not yet fully developed, leaving them at risk of many infectious diseases that can be life-threatening or cause lasting disability. Vaccines help "train" the body to recognise and remember germs, so it can defend against them before real illness occurs. This is one of the most worthwhile ways to care for a young child's health.
Basic vaccines under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI)
The Ministry of Public Health specifies the basic vaccines that every Thai child should receive free of charge by age, under the "Expanded Program on Immunization" or EPI. It covers several important diseases, including:
- Tuberculosis (BCG) — given from birth
- Hepatitis B (HBV) — prevents chronic liver infection
- Diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis (DTP) — serious communicable diseases of childhood
- Polio (OPV/IPV) — prevents paralysis from poliovirus
- Measles–rubella–mumps (MMR) — viral diseases that can have severe complications
- Japanese encephalitis (JE) and other combination vaccines per Ministry guidelines
Why vaccinating on time matters
The vaccine schedule is designed around the ages at which a child's body responds best to vaccines, matching the time when the child begins to be at risk of each disease. Vaccinating on time therefore gives complete and timely protection. If it is delayed for a long time, your child may have a gap with no immunity and be at risk of infection during that period.
Don't forget the vaccination record book (the pink book)
The pink maternal and child health record book is the key record of which vaccines your child has already received. Bring it every time you take your child for a vaccination or to see a doctor, so the doctor can plan the next dose correctly and avoid repeating or missing a dose.
A rough summary by age
- At birth: BCG (tuberculosis) and the first dose of hepatitis B
- 2–4–6 months: diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis, polio, and combination vaccines per the schedule
- 9–12 months: measles–rubella–mumps (MMR) first dose, and Japanese encephalitis
- 1.5 years (18 months): DTP and polio boosters, and the second MMR dose
- School age: diphtheria–tetanus booster and other school-age vaccines
The schedule above is an overview to give parents a rough sense of the timing. The details and types of combination vaccines may change in line with the latest Ministry of Public Health guidelines. The doctor will confirm the schedule that is right for your child.
Optional vaccines you may consider adding
In addition to the basic vaccines, there are optional vaccines that help prevent diseases that can be severe in young children. Parents can consult a doctor to consider them based on risk and readiness, for example:
- Influenza — recommended once a year, especially for young children and those with underlying conditions
- RSV — prevents severe respiratory infection in infants
- Rotavirus — an oral vaccine that prevents severe diarrhoea caused by rotavirus
- IPD (pneumococcus) — prevents pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infection
Vaccinate with us with confidence
Doctor Chat Clinic provides vaccination services given by a doctor. Every vaccine is stored in a hospital-grade temperature-controlled cold chain, to maintain the vaccine's effectiveness and your child's safety.
What parents should keep in mind about the vaccine schedule
- If doses are incomplete or late, there is no need to start over — consult a doctor to catch up.
- If your child has a high fever or is quite unwell on the appointment day, postpone and inform the doctor; do not vaccinate during a serious illness.
- Always tell the doctor if your child has ever had a vaccine allergy, an egg allergy, or an immunodeficiency.
- After the injection, watch your child for 15–30 minutes and care for the injection site; if there is a high fever or anything abnormal, consult a doctor.