Where to take your child for vaccinations in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai (2026 guide)
For expat families and digital nomads living in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, keeping their children’s vaccinations up-to-date is essential for health protection, school enrolment, and international travel. This 2026 guide explains where to vaccinate your child in each city and how to choose between private hospitals, family clinics, and public centres, with clear advice on schedules, costs, insurance, and booking.
How child vaccinations work in Thailand
Thailand runs a national vaccination system called the Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI). Public health centres provide free routine vaccines for children, focusing on both common childhood diseases and illnesses more common in tropical regions.
Thai vs Western schedules
Thailand’s vaccination schedule is very similar to those used in the UK, US, and Australia. Most core vaccines follow the same timing, including:
- DTP-Hib-HepB at 2, 4, and 6 months
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Pneumococcal
- MMR at around 9–12 months and again at 18 months
There are a few key differences:
- BCG is given at birth in Thailand.
- Japanese encephalitis is part of the routine schedule from around 9 to 12 months.
- Western schedules often add chickenpox or meningococcal vaccines earlier.
Private hospitals and clinics can easily combine Thai and Western schedules if parents bring their child’s vaccination records.
Catch-up vaccinations
Children who arrive in Thailand partway through a schedule can receive catch-up vaccinations at private hospitals and clinics. Doctors adjust the timing safely, following Ministry of Public Health guidelines.
- Missed doses can be given closer together when appropriate.
- Vaccines are recorded in the official Mother and Child Health Book (Pink Book) or a digital record.
Certification for schools and travel
Hospitals and clinics can issue vaccination certificates or update official records for:
- International school enrolment
- Travel, visas, or re-entry
Schools usually encourage full vaccination but rarely make it a strict requirement.
Why do many families choose private hospitals?
Expat families often prefer private hospitals because they offer:
- English-speaking paediatricians
- Flexible schedule matching
- A wider range of imported vaccines
- Shorter waiting times
Public centres usually follow the Thai schedule only and may have limited English support.
Insurance note
Private vaccination packages often cost around 7,000 to 15,000 Thai baht. Some international health insurance plans reimburse routine childhood vaccines, but coverage varies.
Pacific Prime Thailand helps expat families review their insurance and understand what paediatric care, including vaccinations, may be covered.
Vaccinating your child in Bangkok (2026 guide)
Bangkok has many reliable options for child vaccinations. For expat families, private hospitals are often the easiest choice because they can follow international schedules and offer clear communication in English.
Major private hospitals
Bangkok Hospital (Headquarters)
Bangkok Hospital runs a dedicated vaccine clinic under its Mother and Child Center. It provides routine childhood vaccines such as DTP-Hib-HepB, MMR, and polio, as well as catch-up plans for children vaccinated overseas. Travel vaccines like hepatitis A are also available. The clinic issues official vaccination certificates for schools and visas and offers consultations before each visit to ensure the schedule is safe and appropriate.
Vibhavadi Hospital
Vibhavadi Hospital operates a Well Baby Clinic and Vaccine Center focused on children of all ages. It is well-suited for families who want regular vaccination visits combined with growth and development checks, especially during the early years.
Other international-standard hospitals
Bumrungrad Hospital offers a wide range of paediatric vaccines with age-based programmes, while Vichaiyut Hospital provides structured vaccination packages for infants and young children, including vaccines such as pneumococcal and Japanese encephalitis.
Family- and expat-focused clinics
Smaller clinics in central Bangkok, especially around Sukhumvit and Siam, are convenient for booster shots and travel vaccines such as flu or Tdap. These clinics are best for quick visits, as they usually do not provide full childhood vaccination programmes.
How to choose in Bangkok
- Choose a location close to home to avoid traffic on vaccination days.
- Use a private hospital for newborns, catch-up schedules, or full paediatric follow-ups.
- Use clinics for simple booster or travel vaccines
- Always select English-speaking paediatric services when matching Thai and Western schedules.
Vaccinating your child in Phuket (2026 guide)
Phuket offers good vaccination options for expat families, with a mix of private hospitals, family clinics, and public health centres. Most long-stay families prefer private care for easier communication and flexible scheduling.
Major private hospitals
Bangkok Hospital Phuket
Bangkok Hospital Phuket provides child vaccination packages valid until 31 December 2026. These packages group recommended vaccines such as MMR, DTP, and hepatitis into planned visits and include medical consultations. They work well for full vaccination schedules and catch-up plans.
International medical centres
Medical centres in areas such as Laguna and Phuket Town focus on foreign residents and travellers. They offer internationally recognised vaccines, including chickenpox and flu shots, along with travel advice in English.
Family and community clinics
Phuket Family Health
This clinic offers routine childhood vaccinations and travel vaccines in a child-friendly setting. Flexible booking and same-day appointments make it a popular choice for families with young children.
Phuket Medical Clinic
With branches in Laguna, Phuket Town, and near the Circle Clock Tower, this clinic provides routine paediatric vaccinations with personalised consultations. It is open daily and serves both Thai and international families.
Public vaccination centres
Phuket Public Health Vaccination Center
This centre provides low-cost or free vaccines under the Thai national schedule. It suits families on a tight budget who are comfortable in a Thai-language environment, but it is less suitable for customised or foreign schedules.
How to choose in Phuket
- Use private hospitals or family clinics for long-term care and English support.
- Use public centres for basic Thai-schedule vaccines if cost is a concern.
- Combine public and private options for core vaccines and extras like boosters or travel shots.
Vaccinating your child in Chiang Mai (2026 guide)
Chiang Mai offers a good balance of private hospitals and walk-in clinics, making it easy for expat families to access child vaccinations in a more relaxed setting than Bangkok.
Private hospitals and paediatric centres
Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai
The Paediatric Center provides routine childhood vaccines such as DTP, MMR, and polio, along with travel vaccines. It serves children from birth to the teenage years and can adjust schedules for children vaccinated overseas. Regular well-baby check-ups are available, and the setting is designed to be child-friendly.
Chiang Mai Ram Hospital
This hospital offers both routine and additional vaccines for children. English-speaking staff help create vaccination plans based on foreign records, making it suitable for catch-up schedules and ongoing care.
Expat-friendly clinics
Boston Health Clinic
Boston Health is a popular walk-in clinic for expats. It offers a wide range of vaccines, including flu, chickenpox, pneumococcal, HPV, and Tdap. Most vaccinations do not require an appointment, and consultations are provided in English.
Dr. Artima Medical Clinic
This clinic follows the Thai national schedule by default and offers extra vaccines when needed. It suits families looking for simple, routine care without long waiting times.
Child-focused local clinics
Kriengsak Clinic (Mueang Chiang Mai)
Kriengsak Clinic is a local option for routine childhood vaccinations. It works well for families who are comfortable with a Thai-language setting and need basic vaccines.
How to choose in Chiang Mai
- Start with private hospitals or expat clinics for schedule matching and English support.
- Use walk-in clinics for quick vaccinations and boosters.
- Consider local clinics later for lower-cost routine shots.
Costs, insurance, and packages
The cost of child vaccinations in Thailand depends on where you go. Private hospitals often offer better value through bundled packages, while clinics charge per shot and keep things simple.
Typical pricing
Private hospitals
Many private hospitals sell age-based vaccination packages. These group several vaccines into a planned series of visits.
- Packages often cover vaccines such as MMR, Japanese encephalitis, and pneumococcal.
- Prices usually fall between 5,600 and 11,000 Thai baht, depending on age and vaccines.
- Hospital service fees are often included.
- Doctor consultation fees may be charged separately, usually 200 to 500 Thai baht.
Clinics
Clinics usually charge per dose, making them practical for boosters or single vaccines.
- MMR: around 390 Thai Baht
- Chickenpox (varicella): around 954 Thai baht
- Flu vaccine: roughly 251 to 1,598 Thai baht, depending on type
- Small admin or registration fees may apply per visit
Insurance and payment
Routine childhood vaccines are not always covered by standard expat or travel insurance. Some comprehensive international health insurance plans reimburse preventive care for children, but basic policies often exclude vaccinations.
Before booking, it is best to check coverage carefully. Pacific Prime Thailand helps expat families compare insurance plans, understand vaccination benefits, and avoid unexpected costs for paediatric care.
Practical tips for expat parents
A little planning can make vaccination visits much easier, especially when balancing Thai and home-country schedules.
- Bring your child’s vaccination record in English: Bring the original booklet or a clear English copy. Doctors use this to check what has already been given and avoid repeating vaccines.
- Agree on a schedule with a paediatrician: Talk through the Thai schedule, your home-country schedule, or a mix of both. Doctors can combine them safely and add Thailand-specific vaccines when needed.
- Ask for child-friendly units or nurses: When booking, request a paediatric unit if available. These teams are trained to work with children and make the visit quicker and less stressful.
- Book quieter appointment times: Early mornings or weekdays before 10:00 am are usually less busy and easier for young children.
- Keep digital copies of records: Scan vaccination certificates after each visit. Digital records are useful for school enrolment, visas, and travel later on.
Vaccinating children in Thailand is straightforward once families understand the system, choose the right clinic, keep clear records, and check insurance coverage in advance. Are your parents looking for clarity on vaccination benefits and costs? Contact Pacific Prime Thailand – they will help you review health insurance options and ensure your children’s care stays consistent while living in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai.
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