Children Vaccination Schedule in Malaysia

From birth, Malaysian children require immunisation to protect against diseases. The National Immunisation Program ensures their health is safeguarded with a clear vaccination plan, from infancy to school age. It evolves with changing disease patterns and medical advances, staying up-to-date with Health Ministry guidelines to meet today’s health needs. Curious about the latest vaccination updates? Stay informed and ensure your little one is safe and healthy—read on for more details!

The First Steps

A child’s vaccination journey begins at birth. Within 24 hours, infants receive the BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) vaccine against tuberculosis through an injection in the upper arm. This creates a small scar, marking the protection site.

The Hepatitis B series starts simultaneously. This three-dose protection schedule spans six months, building immunity against liver infections and related complications.

Critical Protection in Early Months

Between ages two and five months, babies receive multiple vaccines. The DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis) series guards against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. These bacterial infections affect breathing and muscle function.

IPV (Inactivated polio vaccine), given as drops or injection, prevents paralysis. Malaysia maintains a polio-free status through this program.

The Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine stops meningitis and severe throat infections. This protection proves vital during early development stages.

PCV (Pneumococcal) vaccination prevents lung infections and blood poisoning through three doses.

Building Stronger Immunity

At nine months, the MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) vaccine introduces protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children need a second dose at 12 months for complete immunity.

JE (Japanese Encephalitis) vaccination prevents brain inflammation from mosquito-borne viruses. Two doses are required, first dose starting from 9 months and then second dose at least 12 months apart. The JE vaccine is given to children in Sarawak. You may still opt for the JE vaccine if you’re a non Sarawakian.

Toddler Years and Beyond

The vaccination schedule continues through toddler years. Boosters for DTaP and Hib at 18 months strengthen earlier protection.

School-age children receive a DT (Diphtheria) booster at seven years and TT (Tetanus) booster at 15 years. HPV (Human papillomaviruses) is introduced at 13 years to protect against genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer.

Optional Vaccines

The medical community recommends several optional vaccines:

Rotavirus vaccine stops severe diarrhea in infants. The first dose of this vaccine should be introduced at 6 weeks of age and second dose at least 4 weeks apart.

Influenza vaccine prevents flu and its complications (eg. fever and cough). The vaccine may be introduced to children aged 6 months and older.

Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine protects against chickenpox. The first dose is given between 12 and 15 months of age, usually as a single injection and the second dose can be given within a minimum of three months interval from the first dose.

Hepatitis A vaccine prevents infectious disease of the liver. There are two types of vaccines available (single dose / two doses) and the vaccine should be introduced to children aged 12 months and above.

Meningococcal ACWY vaccine protects against meningitis or in other words, inflammation of the brain lining. This vaccine is usually administered to children 1 year and older.

Typhoid Fever vaccine protects against typhoid fever. Depending on the type of typhoid vaccine chosen, the vaccine may be introduced to children aged 2 years and older.

Dengue Fever vaccine protects against dengue fever. The vaccine may be introduced to children aged 4 years and above.

Record Keeping Matters

Staying organized with your child’s vaccination records is essential. Here’s how to ensure nothing gets missed:

• Maintain and update the vaccination book regularly
• Track completion dates to stay on schedule
• Store records safely for easy access when needed
• Present documentation when enrolling your child in school

To make this process even easier, download our Vaccination Tracker—a handy tool for parents to monitor their child’s immunisation milestones. It ensures you never overlook or miss any important vaccines!

Conclusion

Parents play a key role in vaccination success. Prevention through vaccination remains safer than treating diseases. Protect your child’s future through timely immunisation.

Read more: What You Need To Know About Vaccination