One of the most important responsibilities for new parents is ensuring their child receives vaccinations on time. Vaccines play a vital role in building immunity, protecting children from serious illnesses, and supporting healthy growth and development.
Understanding childhood vaccines helps keep children safe in both the short and long term. Some diseases can have severe or lifelong consequences if left unprevented. To make things easier, PBISS has compiled the latest 2024 childhood vaccination information so parents can confidently follow the recommended schedule.
Have your child’s vaccination record ready and mark the important vaccines as you go.
Why Are Vaccines Important for Children?
Vaccination is the first step in building strong immunity and supporting age-appropriate development. Here are the key benefits of childhood vaccination:
1. Protection Against Serious Diseases
Vaccines help prevent life-threatening illnesses such as measles, polio, whooping cough, and meningitis-diseases that once caused severe disability or death in many children.
2. Community Immunity (Herd Immunity)
When most people in a community are vaccinated, it protects those who cannot receive vaccines due to medical reasons and reduces disease transmission overall.
3. Safe and Effective
Vaccines undergo strict testing and are produced under rigorous standards. Parents can be confident that vaccination is a safe and effective long-term investment in their child’s health.
4. Cost-Effective Prevention
Preventing disease costs far less than treating illness. Some vaccines require only two or three doses over a lifetime, making them highly cost-effective.
5. Protects the Whole Family
Family members may unknowingly carry infections. Vaccinating children helps protect parents, siblings, and relatives-allowing families to spend time together with peace of mind.
Childhood Vaccination Schedule by Age (2024 Update)
Childhood vaccines are divided into essential (routine) vaccines and optional (additional) vaccines for extended protection.
1. Essential Childhood Vaccines
These vaccines are recommended for all children according to the Thai Ministry of Public Health and the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of Thailand.
Key Essential Vaccines Include:
- BCG (Tuberculosis): At birth
- Hepatitis B (HBV): At birth, 1 month, and 6 months
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP): 2, 4, 6 months + boosters
- Polio: Multiple doses from 2 months onward (oral or injectable)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 1 year and 2.5 years
- Japanese Encephalitis (JE): According to age schedule
- Influenza: Annually from 6 months to 18 years
- HPV: From age 9 (2 or 4 strains depending on vaccine type)
2. Optional Vaccines for Additional Protection
These vaccines are optional but recommended depending on individual needs. Some are combination vaccines that reduce the number of injections.
Recommended Optional Vaccines Include:
- Rotavirus: Oral vaccine (2-3 doses in infancy)
- Pneumococcal (PCV): From 2 months with booster at 12-15 months
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b): 2, 4, 6 months + booster
- Chickenpox (Varicella): 12-18 months and 4-6 years
- Hepatitis A: From 1 year (2 doses)
- Dengue: From age 9 (for children with prior infection)
Reference: Thai Ministry of Public Health, 2023
Important Tips Before Taking Your Child for Vaccination
- Always bring your child’s vaccination record book
- Avoid vaccination if your child has a fever or acute illness-consult a doctor if unsure
- Remain at the hospital for at least 30 minutes after vaccination to monitor for allergic reactions
- Inform medical staff of any drug or food allergies
Vaccination is one of the most important steps new parents can take to protect their child’s future health.
Summary
Childhood vaccination is essential for healthy growth and age-appropriate development. Vaccines provide strong protection, allowing children to attend school and interact in diverse environments safely and confidently.
Studying at PBISS International School gives children opportunities to grow in a friendly, multicultural environment. PBISS integrates the Cambridge International curriculum with STEM+ education, offering flexible, student-centred learning that prepares children for the fast-changing world of the 21st century.
PBISS welcomes students aged 2-17, with age-appropriate learning approaches designed to nurture academic excellence, adaptability, and holistic development-ensuring every child reaches their full potential.
