The vaccines currently used in the Ministry of Health Malaysia are based on the Expanded Immunisation Programme (EPI) of the World Health Organisation (WHO). These vaccines are given free of charge to all babies in the government health centres and cover the 10 vaccine-preventable childhood diseases as listed in table (1) in appendix. A wide vaccine coverage is important for the success of the immunisation programme. More vaccines may be added in future depending on factors such as the disease burden, cost-effectiveness and the budget allocation. There may be a slight modification of the immunisation schedule from time to time depending on the combination of vaccines available. The current immunisation schedule is in table (2) in appendix.

There are new and other vaccines currently available in the Malaysian market. Furthermore, the private sector may use a slightly different vaccine product than those used in the government health centres.

What are the other Vaccines available?

• Different vaccine formulation available
  • Pertussis – acellular and whole cell vaccine
  • Polio vaccine – killed and live weakened virus vaccine
• The childhood vaccines not in the current government immunisation schedule are :
  • Chickenpox
  • Meningococcal disease
  • Pneumococcal disease
  • Rotavirus
  • Influenza
• Other childhood vaccines for selected children who travel and are at risk from :
  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid fever
• Vaccine available for older children against
  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Specific Vaccines :

• Pertussis
• Poliomyelitis
• Chickenpox or Varicella
• Meningococcal Disease
• Pneumococcal Disease
• Rotavirus Infection
• Influenza
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid Fever
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Appendix

• Vaccine-preventable bacterial and viral diseases currently covered in the immunisation programme of Ministry of Health Malaysia
• Current immunisation schedule in Ministry of Health Malaysia