Baby and child vaccination schedule in Malaysia: what each jab is for, and what to expect

The National Immunisation Programme schedule

This is the Ministry of Health schedule, as published on the government’s MyGOV portal in 2026:

Your child’s clinic may adjust timing, for example for premature babies. Babies still have growth and development checks at 1 and 6 months, even where no vaccine is due.

What is the 6-in-1 vaccine?

Since November 2020, Malaysia has used a hexavalent (6-in-1) vaccine, which combines protection against six diseases in one injection: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B. It replaced an older 5-in-1 vaccine plus separate hepatitis B shots, cutting the number of injections a baby needs.

Parents often search for it by brand name, such as “Hexaxim”, which is one brand of 6-in-1 vaccine. The government programme and private clinics may use different brands. They protect against the same six diseases.

Why keeping to the schedule matters

Vaccine-preventable diseases are returning where coverage slips:

• Measles cases rose from 2,002 in 2023 to 3,791 in 2024, and 44% of cases were in children under 5. Although national coverage is high, only 62% of districts reached the 95% MMR coverage needed to stop outbreaks.
• Whooping cough killed 43 babies under 5 months old in 2023, babies too young to be fully vaccinated. That is why the vaccine is now offered free in pregnancy too.
• Recorded vaccine refusals rose from 637 in 2013 to 1,603 in 2016.

Vaccines give the best protection when given on time. If your child has missed a dose, talk to your clinic about catching up. In most cases a delayed dose is simply given, and the course doesn’t need to start again.

What to expect after the jabs

Most reactions are mild and settle within 2 to 3 days:

• Redness, swelling, soreness or a small lump where the injection was given
• A mild fever
• Fussiness, sleepiness or a poor appetite for a day or so

Offer extra feeds and cuddles, and dress your baby lightly. If your baby has a fever and seems uncomfortable, ask the clinic or a pharmacist about paracetamol, dosed by weight. Never give aspirin to children.

A fit caused by fever (a febrile seizure) is frightening, but usually stops on its own and doesn’t cause lasting harm. Always get your child checked afterwards.

Where to get vaccines, and what they cost

• Government health clinics (Klinik Kesihatan): all National Immunisation Programme vaccines are free for Malaysian children. Non-citizens pay a fee.
• Private clinics: can give the same vaccines for a fee, and often offer optional extras.
• Records: keep your child’s health record book safe, as it is needed for primary school registration. For babies born from July 2022, vaccination records also appear in MySejahtera.

Optional vaccines commonly offered privately, which are not part of the free programme, include rotavirus, chickenpox (varicella), influenza, hepatitis A, meningococcal and typhoid vaccines, and pneumococcal vaccines covering more strains. Ask your doctor which are worth considering for your child. Flu vaccines for children are covered in our flu vaccine guide.

Vaccines in pregnancy protect your baby too

Since May 2025, Ministry of Health clinics offer the whooping cough (Tdap) vaccine free to pregnant women at 28 to 32 weeks. Antibodies pass to the baby and protect them in the first weeks of life, before their own 6-in-1 doses start. The flu vaccine is also recommended in pregnancy. See our pregnancy guide and due date calculator.

Where to vaccinate your child

Free National Immunisation Programme vaccines are given at your nearest Klinik Kesihatan. Many private GP clinics also give childhood and optional vaccines. Call ahead to check stock. Our directory lists GP clinics across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and other states.

Browse the clinic directory

Frequently asked questions