Thai Childhood Vaccination Schedule: A Guide for New Parents

Vaccines are a gift, not a cost Every Thai child gets basic vaccines free — never miss an appointment, never miss protection

The basic childhood vaccine schedule in Thailand follows the EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) of the Ministry of Public Health, covering birth through school age. All EPI vaccines are free for every Thai child at public health facilities.

Vaccines are the best long-term health investment a parent can make — they protect against diseases that could be fatal or cause lifelong disability. This article draws on the Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand [1], the Department of Health [2], and WHO [3].

Why follow the schedule

• Protects in the most vulnerable years — many diseases are especially dangerous in young children
• Builds immunity before exposure
• Herd immunity protects those who can't be vaccinated
• Lowers child mortality — vaccines save 4–5 million children globally each year [3]

Free EPI vaccines at public hospitals

At birth (before discharge)

• BCG (Tuberculosis) — given in the left shoulder; leaves a small bump and scar
• HBV1 (Hepatitis B, dose 1) — within 24 hours of birth to prevent transmission from mother

2 months

• DTP-HB-Hib1 — combined 5-in-1 (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Hib meningitis)
• OPV1 — oral polio, dose 1
• Rota1 — rotavirus (oral)

4 months

• DTP-HB-Hib2
• OPV2
• Rota2

6 months

• DTP-HB-Hib3
• OPV3 + IPV (injectable polio — covers strains OPV doesn't)
• Rota3 (if using a 3-dose schedule)

9 months

• MR1 / MMR1 — measles, mumps, rubella, dose 1 (Thailand's free EPI uses MR1 — covers measles and rubella)
• JE1 — Japanese Encephalitis, dose 1 (in some regions)

1 – 1.5 years

• DTP4 — booster
• OPV4
• JE2 — Japanese Encephalitis, dose 2

2 – 2.5 years

• JE3 — JE booster (with 3-dose schedule)

4 – 6 years (before starting school)

• DTP5 — final booster
• OPV5
• MR2 / MMR2 — dose 2

School age

• Tdap — booster at age 11–12
• HPV — at age 11–12 (can start at age 9 for both girls and boys); free for girls in 5th grade since 2017

Optional vaccines (paid)

Recommended by the Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand [1]:

PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine)

• Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia from pneumococcal infection
• Schedule: 2, 4, 6 months + booster at 12–15 months (4 doses)
• Cost: ~3,500–5,000 THB per dose

Influenza

• Eligible from 6 months — annual
• First year: 2 doses 1 month apart; subsequent years: 1 dose annually
• Cost: 500–1,000 THB per dose; free for some at-risk infants (6 months – 2 years)

Varicella (chickenpox)

• 2 doses: first at 12–15 months, second at 4–6 years
• Cost: ~1,500–2,500 THB per dose

Hepatitis A

• 2 doses 6–12 months apart, starting at 1 year
• Cost: ~1,000–1,500 THB per dose

HPV

• Prevents cervical and other cancers
• 9–14 years: 2 doses 6–12 months apart
• 15+: 3 doses
• Free for 5th-grade girls in the EPI program since 2017
• Boys also recommended — protects against transmission and other cancers

MMR

• The free EPI option is MR (no mumps coverage)
• Optional MMR covers mumps too — ~600–1,000 THB per dose

Before vaccination

Check readiness

• No fever or serious illness
• Bring the vaccine record (pink booklet) for the doctor to update
• Tell the provider about any prior vaccine reactions, allergies, or chronic conditions

After vaccination

• Common side effects: mild soreness, low fever, fussiness — usually resolve in 1–2 days
• Tepid sponging or paracetamol at appropriate doses for fever
• Severe allergic reaction (rare): rash all over body, difficulty breathing, facial swelling — go to the ER immediately
• Stay 30 minutes at the clinic after vaccination for observation

Common questions

Mild illness (low fever, runny nose) — can baby still get vaccines?

Usually yes — minor illness isn't a contraindication. Reschedule if fever ≥ 38.5°C or significant illness.

Can baby still catch a disease after vaccination?

Most vaccines are 90–99% effective. If contracted, illness is usually much milder.

Can EPI and optional vaccines be given the same day?

Yes — multiple shots in one visit are safe and effective.

What if we miss an appointment?

Get the missed dose as soon as possible — don't restart from dose 1. Existing immunity remains. Talk to your pediatrician about a catch-up schedule.

Egg allergy and MMR / Influenza?

Current guidance recommends vaccination even for egg-allergic individuals — including those with severe reactions — but in a setting prepared to manage allergic reactions, after consulting your provider.

Where to vaccinate (free)

• Community health centers and sub-district health-promoting hospitals — convenient for EPI vaccines
• Public hospitals — for children with health concerns or specific advice
• Community Warmth Clinics in Bangkok — under universal coverage
• Private hospitals — paid, often more convenient and faster

Summary

EPI vaccines are free for every Thai child — the best investment in your child's long-term health.

Key principles for parents:

1. Vaccinate on time — at birth, then 2, 4, 6, 9 months, 1.5 years, 4 years
2. Keep the vaccine record book safe — used throughout life
3. Consider optional vaccines — PCV, Influenza, Varicella if budget allows
4. Don't worry about misinformation — vaccines are rigorously safety-tested
5. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has chronic conditions or allergies

Call Department of Disease Control hotline 1422 or NHSO 1330 with questions about vaccines and coverage.