Why Is It Important for Children to Receive Vaccinations on Schedule?
Receiving vaccines according to the recommended schedule is one of the most effective ways to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines help the immune system develop protection against infections that can cause serious illness, complications, hospitalization, or long-term health problems. Keeping track of your child’s vaccination schedule and attending appointments on time are therefore important parts of preventive health care.
Childhood Vaccination Schedule by Age
To help parents plan their child’s vaccinations appropriately, Sapiens Hospital provides an overview of the childhood vaccination schedule based on recommendations used in Thailand. The exact vaccines and timing may vary according to current Ministry of Public Health recommendations, the child’s vaccination history, age, health condition, and individual medical indications.
Note: Vaccination schedules may be updated according to recommendations from the Ministry of Public Health and other relevant medical guidance. Parents should consult a pediatrician to determine the appropriate schedule for each child.
Important Vaccines at Different Ages
- At birth: Vaccination typically begins with BCG to help protect against severe forms of tuberculosis in children and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HBV).
- 2-4 months: Depending on the recommended schedule, vaccines during early infancy may protect against diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), polio, pneumococcal disease, and rotavirus gastroenteritis.
- From around 6 months: Influenza vaccination may be recommended beginning at 6 months of age, with the number of initial doses depending on the child’s age and previous influenza vaccination history. Routine childhood vaccines should also continue according to schedule.
- 9-18 months: Vaccinations and booster doses during this period may include protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and other vaccine-preventable diseases according to the recommended schedule.
- 4-6 years: Booster vaccinations are given according to the recommended childhood schedule to help maintain protection as children approach school age.
Why Consider Childhood Vaccination at Sapiens Hospital?
At Sapiens Hospital, pediatricians can review your child’s vaccination history, age, health condition, and previous doses to recommend an appropriate vaccination plan. Parents can also discuss vaccine benefits, possible side effects, precautions, catch-up vaccination when doses have been delayed, and other questions about their child’s health before vaccination.
For vaccine consultation and pediatric appointments, contact Sapiens Hospital at 02-111-3703.