Most countries in the developed world tend to recommend the same kind of vaccines for babies and children. However, the immunization schedules may vary from country to country.  For example, in the US and Canada, the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months old, but in the UK, it is recommended to children, adults over 65, and special groups of people with serious medical conditions. Varicella (chicken pox) vaccines are recommended routinely in the US and Australia, but not in the UK.  These variations are the result of differences in the patterns and frequency of the disease in each country.

So what are the Recommended Vaccinations for Babies Born in Thailand?

Infants should receive a program of basic vaccines from the day they are born until the age of 12 years, according to the Pediatric Disease Society of Thailand’s immunization schedule. Following this program will ensure a strong and healthy body, free from disease. Even if they should contract an illness they have received a proper course of vaccinations for, its potency will be severely diminished and will not require a stay in hospital.

It is important to have your child immunized according to the standard immunisation schedule of the country your child is currently residing in order to provide your child with full protection of the diseases that are prevalent in that country. Foreign babies who are born in Thailand are usually recommended to receive the standard vaccination as determined in the recommended immunization schedule for children in Thailand.

If you have plans to return to your home country in the future, please check the immunization schedule of your home country and consult with a pediatrician to ensure adequate immunization before returning to your home country. Other than for safety reasons, some countries, such as Australia, require children to be fully immunized according to the standard of their country before being eligible for child care benefit and family tax benefit.

Recommended Vaccinations for Babies & Toddlers coming to Live in Thailand.

The recommended vaccination schedule by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the same worldwide with few additional vaccines specific for certain countries. Your pediatrician can provide specific recommendations for Thailand which might include vaccines for Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Rabies depending on your travel and long-term plans. Good points to remember:

• Parents should bring their child’s vaccination record book with them to all appointments.
• Always notify the doctor or nursing staff in charge if your child suffers from any allergies to medication or food, informing them of exactly what it is they are allergic to.
• If your child is suffering from a high fever or any acute illness, vaccinations should be postponed until they are well again.
• Keep your child in the hospital for at least 30 minutes after the vaccination to monitor for any potential reaction to the medication.

Seeing their child recoil in fear at the sight of needles may cause some parents to avoid taking their little one in to be vaccinated. Meanwhile, other parents may not realize how crucial vaccinations can be and may therefore neglect to attend appointments or act according to their doctor’s orders. However, it is vital that parents remain aware of the importance of vaccinations to all children, especially those basic vaccinations mentioned above. Such vaccinations have been deemed essential by the Ministry of Public Health for all Thai children to receive at predetermined stages of their young lives because they can strengthen their immunity against various illnesses and diseases that could potentially place their lives at risk in the future.

Editor’s Note: This article is intended as general information that may be useful for parents. It is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions about a medical condition.