PCV Vaccine Expansion: Flu Vaccine for Young Children
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National communicable Disease Commitee Approves Expanded Vaccination programs
Overview
The National Communicable Disease Committee of Thailand approved key expansions to the nation’s vaccination programs during its fifth meeting of 2025, held on October 16, 2025, at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, ministry of Public Health. These expansions focus on bolstering protection against pneumonia, meningitis, and influenza, particularly for vulnerable populations. The committee also addressed data integration for improved vaccine coverage tracking and explored the use of biometric data for identifying foreign workers.
Key Decisions and Expansions
the meeting, chaired by Minister of Public Health Mr. Phatthana Prompat, with participation from Dr. Somrerk Jungsaman (Permanent Secretary) and Dr. Montien Khanasawat (Director-General of the Department of Disease Control), focused on two primary areas: vaccination policy for 2026 and data linkage for improved immunization coverage.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) Implementation
The committee approved the inclusion of the PCV vaccine, which protects against bacteria causing pneumonia and meningitis, as a benefit within the national health insurance system. The Department of Disease Control will collaborate with the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to implement this integration. This decision aims to provide broader access to this critical vaccine.
Expanded Influenza Vaccination program
The target group for the injectable influenza vaccine will expand from children aged 6 months to under 3 years to include children under 5 years of age. This expansion addresses the higher incidence of illness and mortality within the 4-5 year old age group. To meet the increased demand, the government will procure an additional 2 million doses of influenza vaccine, increasing the total from 6 million to 8 million doses.
The following table summarizes the influenza vaccination program expansion:
| Age Group | Previous Coverage | New Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months – 3 years | Covered | Covered |
| 3 years – 5 years | Not Covered | Covered |
Data Integration and Immunization Tracking
The committee emphasized the importance of linking immunization data to ensure comprehensive coverage tracking. This initiative will encompass both government and private healthcare facilities, including hospitals within and outside the Ministry of Public Health, as well as local health centers. The Department of Health Service Support, responsible for private hospitals, will collaborate to establish data linkage methods compliant with the Communicable Disease Act 2015 and related legislation. The goal is to create a reliable data source for disease prevention and control planning, aligning with national eradication goals and the Lasting Progress Goals (SDG).
Biometric Data Pilot Program
The committee followed up on the ongoing implementation of a pilot program utilizing biometric data to confirm the identity of foreign workers. This initiative aims to streamline identification processes and improve data accuracy.
Rising Concerns: Influenza and RSV
The committee acknowledged a concerning trend: an increase in reported cases of influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This observation underscores the importance of the expanded vaccination programs and robust surveillance systems.