A vaccine is a biological product or antigen derived from pathogens or their toxins that have been rendered incapable of causing disease, yet retain the ability to stimulate the body to produce antibodies or immunity. It serves as an effective public health tool for disease prevention and control.
The Ministry of Public Health has designated basic vaccines that every Thai child should receive, consisting of 11 types. The Ministry of Public Health manages a service system to ensure every child in the country receives these vaccines according to the immunization schedule, with public health facilities acting as the primary service providers.
Optional or alternative vaccines are those not included in the Ministry of Public Health’s National Immunization Program. The decision to receive these vaccines is at the individual’s discretion, as they often come with a relatively high cost. Examples include the Hepatitis A vaccine (HA), Chickenpox vaccine (Varicella), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), Rabies vaccine, Meningococcal vaccine, and Influenza vaccine (Flu).
Most vaccines require multiple doses to be effective. If you miss an appointment, there is no need to start the series over from the beginning, regardless of how much time has passed since the last dose.
Because vaccines are not 100% effective, there is still a chance that vaccinated children can contract the disease. However, generally, if a vaccinated person does get sick, the symptoms are usually mild. For example, a child vaccinated against Chickenpox may still catch the disease, but the symptoms will likely be much less severe.
The vaccines currently in use are highly safe, though side effects can still occur after administration. Most of these reactions are mild and acceptable, such as fever, or pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site. Therefore, monitoring for side effects in both the short and long term remains important.
Requirement for Multiple Doses: Some vaccines require more than one dose to stimulate the body to build sufficient immunity for effective disease prevention. Therefore, parents should ensure their children receive vaccinations according to the scheduled appointments every time.
Mild Illness: Children with mild illnesses, such as a common cold, cough, or low-grade fever, can still be vaccinated.
Post-Vaccination Care: After receiving certain vaccines, a child may develop a fever, which typically resolves quickly. Parents should sponge the child to cool them down, encourage plenty of fluid intake, and administer fever-reducing medication as advised by a doctor or public health officer.
History of Allergies: If there is a history of drug allergies or severe reactions after previous vaccinations—such as seizures or very high fever—please inform the doctor or public health officer before the vaccination is administered.
BCG Vaccine Care: The injection site from the Tuberculosis vaccine (BCG) may form a small abscess that persists for 3–4 weeks. Do not apply medication or cover the wound. Simply clean the area around the wound using clean cotton soaked in cooled boiled water.
Health Record Retention: Please keep the Maternal and Child Health Handbook (Pink Book) safe to track your child’s vaccination history. It also serves as an important official record for various occasions, such as primary school enrollment and international travel.
Know the Vaccine: You should be aware of which vaccine your child is receiving and its potential side effects to provide proper care.
30-Minute Observation: Parents should observe the child at the healthcare facility for at least 30 minutes after vaccination before going home. Please continue to monitor the child’s condition at home as well.
Report Severe Reactions: If the child experiences severe side effects after vaccination, such as seizures or very high fever, you must inform the doctor or staff every time before the next vaccination.
Fever Management: Some vaccines may cause a fever. Sponge the child with a damp cloth to cool them down, focusing on the neck and joints (armpits/groin). Fever-reducing medication may be administered if needed.
Local Reaction Care: The injection site may become painful, swollen, red, or warm, causing the child to be fussy. You can apply a warm compress and administer pain relief medication to alleviate discomfort.