The government has upgraded its disease prevention measures by providing the pneumococcal vaccine free of charge to Thai children, ensuring equal access to this essential vaccine and reducing the risk of pneumonia and meningitis. This policy is now in effect.
6 May 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Lalida Pertvivattana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the government is advancing preventive public health systems. Recently, the National Health Security Office (NHSO) issued a publication in the Royal Gazette on 30 April 2026, declaring the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) as a health service entitlement under health promotion and disease prevention for Thai children. This policy took effect the day after its publication.
The announcement aims primarily to ensure that Thai children can access this necessary vaccine widely and effectively, supported by funding from the National Health Security Fund, which will help reduce the risk of severe infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, which are major causes of illness and death among young children. . (fragment) PCV vaccination services began on 2 March 2026 and are officially recognized as part of health promotion and disease prevention services under this announcement.
Ms. Lalida added that including the PCV vaccine in the health benefit package is a significant government step to invest in prevention rather than treatment. This not only lowers long-term public health expenses but also helps Thai children grow up healthy and protected from serious diseases. “This is an upgrade in the quality of life for Thai children from the start, ensuring equal access to essential vaccines, reducing inequality, and building a strong, sustainable public health system.”