Childhood vaccination
Learn about childhood vaccines and how to make vaccination visits more comfortable for your child.
This guide is for general information. Vaccine suitability, timing and availability should be confirmed with the clinic based on your child's age, health and vaccination history. Bring your child's health record book when seeking advice.
Select a category above to explore the recommended vaccines.
Routine childhood vaccines in Malaysia
Selected vaccines included in Malaysia's National Immunisation Programme. This is not a complete schedule; age, dose and regional recommendations should be confirmed with your healthcare professional. Tap a vaccine to learn more.
BCG
Tuberculosis
- Protects against
- Tuberculosis
BCG helps protect babies and young children against serious forms of tuberculosis, including tuberculosis affecting the brain and other severe forms of disease.
Enquire about vaccination →Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B infection
- Protects against
- Hepatitis B infection
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver. Infection acquired early in life can become chronic and may later lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Vaccination helps prevent hepatitis B infection.
Enquire about vaccination →DTaP / DTaP-containing vaccine
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
- Protects against
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
This vaccine protects against three serious bacterial infections. Pertussis can cause severe coughing and breathing problems in babies, while diphtheria and tetanus can cause life-threatening complications.
Enquire about vaccination →Polio
Poliomyelitis
- Protects against
- Poliomyelitis
Polio is a viral infection that can affect the nervous system and may cause permanent paralysis. Vaccination is highly effective at preventing polio.
Enquire about vaccination →Hib
Haemophilus influenzae type b disease
- Protects against
- Haemophilus influenzae type b disease
Hib can cause serious infections such as meningitis, pneumonia and bloodstream infection, especially in young children. Vaccination greatly reduces the risk of invasive Hib disease.
Enquire about vaccination →Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal disease
- Protects against
- Pneumococcal disease
Pneumococcal bacteria can cause pneumonia, meningitis, bloodstream infection and other illnesses. Young children are among those at risk of serious pneumococcal disease, and vaccination helps protect against these infections.
Enquire about vaccination →MMR
Measles, mumps and rubella
- Protects against
- Measles, mumps and rubella
MMR protects against three viral infections. Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain; mumps can cause complications such as meningitis; rubella is particularly important to prevent because infection during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby.
Enquire about vaccination →HPV
Human papillomavirus infection
- Protects against
- Human papillomavirus infection
HPV is a very common infection that can cause genital warts and several types of cancer. Vaccination helps prevent infection with HPV types that can cause these diseases.
Enquire about vaccination →Additional / optional childhood vaccines
Some vaccines may be recommended according to your child's age, medical risk, exposure, travel or other circumstances. Tap a vaccine to read what it protects against.
Rotavirus
Rotavirus gastroenteritis
- Protects against
- Rotavirus gastroenteritis
Rotavirus can cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea in infants and young children and can lead to dehydration. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe rotavirus disease.
Enquire about vaccination →Influenza
Influenza (flu)
- Protects against
- Influenza (flu)
Influenza is more than a common cold and can cause significant respiratory illness and complications in children. Influenza vaccination is updated regularly and is given according to age and current recommendations.
Enquire about vaccination →Varicella
Chickenpox
- Protects against
- Chickenpox
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Although often mild, it can cause complications such as bacterial skin infections, pneumonia or inflammation of the brain. Vaccination helps prevent chickenpox and its complications.
Enquire about vaccination →Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A
- Protects against
- Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver, usually spread through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. Vaccination can prevent hepatitis A infection.
Enquire about vaccination →Meningococcal
Meningococcal disease
- Protects against
- Meningococcal disease
Meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis and bloodstream infection. Disease can progress rapidly and may be life-threatening, so vaccination may be recommended for particular age groups or risk situations.
Enquire about vaccination →Dengue
Dengue disease
- Protects against
- Dengue disease
Dengue can range from a febrile illness to severe dengue with bleeding, shock or organ involvement.
Dengue vaccination is not a general vaccine for every child. Eligibility depends on the specific vaccine, age, previous dengue infection/serostatus and local recommendations. A paediatrician should advise whether it is appropriate.
Enquire about vaccination →Comfort your child during the immunisation
At the clinic, these are some immunisation tips you can use to make your child more comfortable during the appointment.
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Comfort positioning
Ask the vaccinating clinician to show you a safe, comfortable position for holding your child.
Why? Holding your child close can help them feel secure and help the clinician give the vaccine safely.
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Distraction
Toys that light up or play music can distract your child before and during the immunisation. For older children, ask questions about something they are excited about, or use books, music players or television shows.
Why? Distraction can help reduce stress and discomfort during vaccination.
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Breastfeed
If you are breastfeeding, you can breastfeed your baby before, during and after the immunisation.
Why? Breastfeeding can help comfort your baby and reduce vaccination pain. Ask the clinician how to position your baby safely.
Trying these tips can turn clinic visits into a chance to teach children skills for managing potentially scary or difficult situations.
Why are some vaccines called "additional" or "optional"?
Additional does not mean unnecessary.
Routine vaccines are included in the national immunisation programme. Other vaccines may be recommended depending on a child's age, medical history, risk factors, travel, exposure or family circumstances.
If you are unsure which vaccines are suitable for your child, speak to a paediatrician.
Further information
For national guidance, refer to the Ministry of Health Malaysia immunisation schedule and confirm current recommendations with your healthcare professional. Comfort tips are supported by the CDC's guidance on making vaccination less stressful and holding your child during vaccination.
