A vaccine is a type of medicine that helps the body’s immune system recognize diseases it has never been exposed to before in order to build immunity and prevent diseases before they occur. There are many types of vaccines including

live-attenuated vaccines using a weakened form of the germ, inactivated vaccines using a killed version of the germ, and those using only specific pieces of the germ.

What are the benefits of vaccines?

• They help prevent infection and reduce the severity of the disease if getting infected after vaccination.
• They reduce the spreading of the disease to family members and communities, especially to infants and those with health problems too vulnerable to be vaccinated.
• A large enough population having been vaccinated could help create herd immunity, stopping the spread of the virus or even eradicating a disease, like in the case of smallpox.

Vaccination Center Workflow

1. Choose a vaccine package easily online or visit the Center in person for the service.
2. Get a queue card for registration and turn to be served.
3. Register at the Vaccination Center or present the voucher for the if package purchased online.
4. Pay at the cashier or present the voucher to redeem the service.
5. Undergo a preliminary health check for blood pressure and have your weight and height measured.
6. See a doctor for history-taking and risk assessment. 
7. Get vaccinated by specializing staff.
8. Rest for observation for 15 minutes.

• We provide a wide range of vaccines including those for different age groups, those for travelers and specialized vaccines.
• Convenient and speedy services are available at the Health Screening Center, Building A, 11th Floor, from 7:00-15.00 hrs.; walk-ins are also welcome.
• A team of expert doctors and multidisciplinary teams with experience regarding vaccines are available to provide advice.
• Standard medical equipment and facilities are available.
• The temperature-controlled vaccine storage system helps maintain the vaccine efficacy.
• A comprehensive recording system allows access to vaccination history and results anytime, anywhere via the Bumrungrad Application.
• Vaccine packages can be purchased online at no additional cost, and reserving a queue number is possible online or the Bumrungrad Application.

Dengue vaccine

Dengue vaccine (Qdenga®) can prevent dengue fever caused by various strains of dengue virus. Those aged to years, whether having been infected with dengue before, can be vaccinated with no need for antibody test before vaccination.

• The vaccine efficacy in preventing dengue fever is 80.2%.
• The vaccine efficacy in preventing hospitalization due to dengue fever is 90.4%.
• 2 injections, 3 months apart.

Influenza vaccine

The quadrivalent influenza vaccine consisting of hemagglutinin (HA) antigens derived from four inactivated influenza viruses, two different influenza type A strains and two different influenza type B strains, is recommended for all individuals aged 6 months and over annually.

Influenza vaccine for the elderly

The high-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine is designed for more effective protection against 4 strains of influenza virus, especially for the elderly aged 65 years and above, as they are at higher risk of severe complications from influenza. Its efficacy is reflected in a 24.2% reduction in the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza, a 64.4% reduction in hospitalization from influenza or pneumonia, and a 48.9% decrease in the mortality rate, compared to the standard trivalent influenza vaccine.

Hepatitis A vaccine

Hepatitis A vaccines (Havrix, Avaxim) are used to create active immunization against hepatitis A infection. It is suitable for those at risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus.

• Havrix: Adults aged 19 years and older should get 2 doses of vaccine, with the second dose given 6-12 months after the first dose.
• Avaxim: Adults aged 16 years and older should get 2 doses of vaccine, with the second dose given 6-12 months after the first dose.
• The vaccine efficacy in preventing hepatitis A infection: 94-100%
• Long-term protection against hepatitis A infection: more than 10 years.

Hepatitis B vaccine

• The vaccine contains a protein from the surface of the virus (HBsAg) that stimulates the body's immune response and prevents infection. It is recommended for all infants at birth.

Shingles vaccine

There are 2 types of shingles vaccines:

1. A live vaccine that can prevent shingles in adults aged 50-59 years by 69.8% and prevent post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-term nerve pain by 66.5%
2. A non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine using that glycoprotein E (gE) that can prevent shingles in adults aged 50 years and older by 97.2% and prevent post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-term nerve pain by 91.2%

HPV vaccineHPV

The 9-valent HPV vaccine can be given to both males and females aged 9–45 years.

Mumps, Measles, and Rubella vaccine

All three vaccines contain live, attenuated measles, mumps, and rubella virus. It is indicated for use in both children and adults. It is also classified as a mandatory vaccine for all children by the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of Thailand.

Pneumococcal vaccine

Pneumococcal infection is caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) which can cause middle ear infection (otitis media), sinus infection (sinusitis). It can also cause lung infection (pneumonia), bloodstream infection, and brain infection (meningitis), which can lead to serious or fatal complications. However, pneumococcal infection can be prevented by vaccination.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (Tdap vaccine)

• Diphtheria (D-Diphtheria) is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae which releases a toxin that causes a buildup of grey tissue in the throat thus narrowing the respiratory system, muscle paralysis, and heart failure. A severe case could be fatal. Despite treatment, about 1 in 10 people can die from this infection.

• Tetanus (T-Tetanus) is a life-threatening disease caused by toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The toxins cause muscle spasms throughout the body, which can lead to a “locking of the jaw” condition where the person cannot open their mouth, swallow or even breathe. Tetanus can kill up to 1 in 5 people who are infected.

• Pertussis (P-Pertussis or Whooping cough) is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria causes severe, uncontrollable coughing. Up to 1 in 20 adults who contract pertussis require hospitalization or develop complications. The concern is that adults who have pertussis can spread it to infants, who are at greatest risk of developing severe, life-threatening symptoms.

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine

It is 82.6% effective in preventing the lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in adults aged 60 years and older. The vaccine preventive efficacy is up to 94.6% for adults aged 60 years and older with at least one of the following comorbidities: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic respiratory/lung disease, chronic heart failure, diabetes, and chronic liver or kidney disease.

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes respiratory illnesses with mild to severe symptoms. People at high risk such as the elderly, immunocompromised people, and those with underlying diseases are more likely to develop severe symptoms, be hospitalized, or even die. In addition, there is a chance of long-term complications called Long COVID, even after recovering from the disease.