Understanding “IPD” Disease: The Silent Threat to Young Children Preventable by Vaccine, but Why Does the Government Still Not Provide It Free for All?

Get to know invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), a dangerous pneumococcus infection that can be life-threatening, along with an in-depth look at the controversy over free IPD vaccines. What is the latest decision by the National Health Security Office (NHSO), and why is a pilot program still required?','tags':['IPD','pneumococcal disease','vaccination','NHSO','Thailand']

“Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD)”','tags':['IPD','disease name']IPD has become a feared name among parents after cases of severely ill children requiring lung surgery and risking disability emerged, amid calls for the government to include it as a standard vaccine. However, the recent decision by the NHSO has raised major questions in society, as the 'free vaccination' remains only a pilot program, not a universal right for all children. We explore the severity of this disease and why the costly vaccine is still not accessible to every Thai child.','tags':['IPD','public concern','vaccine policy']“Free vaccination”','tags':['vaccination']is still only a pilot program, not a universal right for every child. We delve into why this disease is so dangerous and the reasons the expensive vaccine has yet to reach all Thai children.','tags':['vaccine access','health policy']

What is invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and why is it a silent killer in young children?','tags':['IPD','disease explanation']

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is a severe bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called','tags':['IPD','bacteriology']“Streptococcus pneumoniae”','tags':['bacteria','Streptococcus pneumoniae']which normally lives in the nasal and throat cavities of children and adults. If the body’s immunity weakens, the bacteria can invade the bloodstream and vital organs, causing severe inflammation.','tags':['pathogenesis','infection']

Symptoms to watch for when your child contracts IPD infection:','tags':['symptoms','IPD']

Symptoms of IPD depend on the site of bacterial spread. The most common and dangerous symptoms include:','tags':['symptoms','disease manifestations']

• Meningitis: high fever, lethargy, seizures, stiff neck. Survivors may suffer brain damage or hearing loss.','tags':['meningitis','symptoms']
• Bloodstream infection: high fever, chills, shock, and rapid organ failure.','tags':['sepsis','symptoms']
• Severe pneumonia: difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, pus in the pleural cavity.','tags':['pneumonia','symptoms']
• Middle ear infection: severe ear pain, unusual persistent crying or fussiness.','tags':['otitis media','symptoms']

Update on the controversy:','tags':['vaccine controversy','update']“Free IPD vaccine”','tags':['vaccine','IPD']Why is it still not available nationwide?','tags':['vaccine availability','policy']

Currently, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is still an','tags':['vaccine','cost']“optional vaccine”','tags':['vaccine','optional']that parents must pay for themselves, with prices ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 baht per dose (3–4 doses required), causing inequality in access to treatment.','tags':['vaccine cost','health inequality']

Recent NHSO decision:','tags':['NHSO','vaccine policy']“Pilot program”','tags':['pilot program','vaccination']but not yet','tags':['policy']"nationwide"','tags':['policy','coverage']

In early February 2026, the National Health Security Board approved adding the IPD vaccine as a benefit under the universal coverage scheme, but with a key condition sparking public debate:','tags':['NHSO','policy','vaccination']

• starting with a','tags':['policy']“pilot program”','tags':['pilot program','vaccine']The NHSO decided to begin free vaccination in fiscal year 2026 only in selected pilot areas to study cost-effectiveness before expanding coverage.','tags':['pilot program','cost-effectiveness']
• Limited budget: the government stated that decisions must be based on budget constraints, requiring prioritization and negotiation for the most cost-effective vaccine price.','tags':['budget','health policy']

Voices from medical professionals:','tags':['medical opinion','healthcare']

Several pediatricians and experts lament that Thailand is one of the few ASEAN countries yet to include this vaccine as a basic right, despite WHO recommendations long ago. The delay means more Thai children may suffer death or disability while waiting for a clear policy.','tags':['medical opinion','WHO recommendation','child health']