Guide To Vaccinations For Expat Children

If you and your family are living abroad, keeping your child’s vaccinations up to date is an important part of protecting their long-term health. Childhood immunisation programmes differ around the world, with countries recommending different vaccines, schedules and eligibility criteria based on local health risks and public health policies.

This guide explains how childhood vaccinations work internationally, what expat families should expect when moving between countries, and how to make informed decisions about vaccinating children while living abroad.

The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Vaccination requirements and recommendations vary by country and individual circumstances. As an international insurance provider, we do not provide medical guidance.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional or local health authority before starting, changing or continuing any vaccination programme.

In this article

• What are childhood vaccination schedules?
• Will my child be vaccinated for every disease?
• How do vaccination programmes work in different countries?
• Accessing childhood vaccinations abroad
• Practical tips for managing childhood vaccinations abroad
• FAQs about childhood vaccinations for families living abroad

What are vaccines?

Vaccines help the immune system recognise and fight specific infections before a person becomes seriously ill. They work by safely exposing the body to a weakened, inactive, or partial form of a virus or bacterium, allowing the immune system to build protection without causing disease.

When vaccination programmes are widely adopted, they can significantly reduce the spread of serious infectious diseases and, in some cases, eliminate them altogether.

Whilst the concept of vaccination has been around for centuries, it’s only since the late 1800s that systematic mass immunisation has come about.

What are childhood vaccination schedules?

Most countries follow a childhood vaccination schedule, which sets out which vaccines are recommended, how many doses are needed, and the ages at which they should be given.

These schedules are designed to protect children when they are most vulnerable to serious infections and to ensure vaccines are given at safe and effective intervals.

Why do vaccination schedules differ between countries?

Vaccination schedules vary between countries because public health risks differ around the world. Factors such as disease prevalence, population density, climate, healthcare infrastructure and historical outbreaks all influence which vaccines are prioritised and when they are offered.

As an example, childhood vaccination programmes in cities such as Dubai, Hong Kong and Bangkok may include different routine vaccines, particularly for diseases like tuberculosis, pneumococcal infection or Japanese encephalitis. This reflects local health risks rather than differences in vaccine safety or quality.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you should consult official public health sources or a local healthcare provider in their country of residence.

There is a very broad definition of health

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Will my child be vaccinated for every disease?

Not every disease has a routine childhood vaccine, and not all available vaccines are included in national immunisation programmes. If the risk of a particular disease is low in a country, it may not be part of the routine schedule.

On the other hand, children living in or travelling to regions where certain infections are more common may be offered additional vaccines based on local public health guidance or a healthcare professional’s recommendation.

A commonly cited example is the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis (TB). In countries where TB is more prevalent, BCG is often given routinely in early infancy. In countries where TB rates are lower, such as the UK, it is typically offered only to children considered at higher risk.

How do vaccination programmes work in different countries?

Many countries operate publicly funded childhood immunisation programmes. In the UK, for example, the National Health Service (NHS) provides a comprehensive vaccination schedule for babies and children, offered free of charge to eligible residents.

Other countries follow similar public health models, while some rely more heavily on private healthcare providers or insurance-based systems.

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Childhood vaccination schedules around the world

Vaccination schedules vary globally, reflecting different healthcare systems, population needs and public health priorities.

Below are some examples to illustrate how childhood immunisation programmes can differ between countries.

Note: These vaccination schedules are provided for general information only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for local medical guidance.

Vaccination schedule in the UK

In the UK, families are usually given a Personal Child Health Record (often called the “Red Book”) to track vaccinations, growth and developmental checks. Similar vaccination records exist in many countries, either in paper form or digitally, and are especially important for families who move between countries.

Here are the vaccinations the NHS recommends according to your child’s life stage:

Immunisation schedule for babies (under 1 year old)

The 6-in-1 vaccine protects children against diphtheria, hepatitis B, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), polio, tetanus and whooping cough.

Age

Vaccines

8 weeks

6-in-1 vaccine (1st dose)
Rotavirus vaccine (1st dose)
MenB vaccine (1st dose)

12 weeks

6-in-1 vaccine (2nd dose)
Rotavirus vaccine (2nd dose)
MenB vaccine (2nd dose)

16 weeks

6-in-1 vaccine (3rd dose)
Pneumococcal vaccine (1st dose)

Source: NHS.uk

Immunisation schedule for children (aged 1 to 15 years)

Age

Vaccines

1 year

Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella/chickenpox (MMRV) vaccine (1st dose for children born on or after 1 January 2025)
Pneumococcal vaccine (2nd dose)
MenB vaccine (3rd dose)

1 year and 6 months (18 months)

6-in-1 vaccine (4th dose for children born on or after 1 July 2024)
MMRV vaccine (1st or 2nd dose for children born on or after 1 July 2024)

2 to 15 years

Children’s flu vaccine (every year until children finish Year 11 of secondary school)

3 years and 4 months

4-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine
MMRV vaccine (1st or 2nd dose for children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 December 2024)

12 to 13 years

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

14 years

Td/IPV vaccine (3-in-1 teenage booster)
MenACWY vaccine

Source: NHS.uk

Looking for private health insurance as an expat in the UK?

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Vaccination schedule in the USA

In the United States, childhood vaccinations are generally required for school enrolment, although requirements vary by state. Some states allow exemptions for medical reasons, and a smaller number allow exemptions based on religious or personal beliefs.

Recommended vaccines for children under the age of 18 are covered by insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and for uninsured/under-insured children, the federal Vaccines For Children (VFC) programme provides no-cost vaccines.

Whilst the specific vaccines required can differ from state to state, the childhood vaccination schedule recommended by The Centre for Disease Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the below:

Immunisation schedule from birth to 18 months old

Age

Vaccines

From birth

Hepatitis B (1st dose)

1 to 2 months

Hepatitis B (2nd dose)

2 months

Rotavirus vaccine (1st dose)
Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) (1st dose)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (1st dose)
Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15, PCV20) (1st dose)
Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) (1st dose)

4 months

Rotavirus vaccine (2nd dose)
DTaP (2nd dose)
Hib (2nd dose)
PCV15, PCV20 (2nd dose)
IPV (2nd dose)

6 months

Rotavirus vaccine RV5 (3rd dose)
DTaP (3rd dose)
PCV15, PCV20 (3rd dose)

6 to 18 months

Hepatitis B (3rd dose)
IPV (3rd dose)
Influenza (IIV3, ccIIV3 annual jab)

12 to 15 months

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) (1st dose)
Varicella (VAR) (1st dose)
Hepatitis A

15 to 18 months

DTaP (4th dose)

Source: CDC.gov

Immunisation schedule from 18 months to 18 years old

 

Age

Vaccines

From 2 years

Influenza (LAIV3 annual jab)

4 to 6 years

DTaP (5th dose)
IPV (4th dose)
VAR (2nd dose)
MMR (2nd dose)

9 years

Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Dengue

11 to 12 years

Influenza (IIV3, ccIIV3 annual jab)
Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) ≥7 yrs
Meningococcal (1st dose)

16 years

Meningococcal (2nd dose)

18 years

Mpox (only if at risk of infection)

Source: CDC.gov

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Vaccination schedule in Hong Kong

Hong Kong operates a well-established, publicly funded Childhood Immunisation Programme designed to protect children against a range of serious infectious diseases. Routine vaccinations are primarily delivered through Maternal and Child Health Centres during early childhood, with additional vaccines commonly administered through the school system as children get older.

As in many countries, Hong Kong’s national programme focuses on vaccines considered most relevant to local public health needs. Some additional vaccines that are widely used internationally may not be included as part of the routine schedule but are available through private healthcare providers following discussion with a doctor.

Immunisation schedule from birth to 18 months

 

Age

Vaccines

From birth

BCG
Hepatitis B (1st dose)

1 month

Hepatitis B (2nd dose)

2 months

DTaP-IPV (1st dose)
Pneumococcal (1st dose)

4 months

DTaP-IPV (2nd dose)
Pneumococcal (2nd dose)

6 months

DTaP-IPV (3rd dose)
Hepatitis B (3rd dose)

12 months

Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) (1st dose)
Pneumococcal (booster)
Varicella (1st dose)

18 months

DTaP-IPV (booster)
Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) (2nd dose)

Source: HK Family Health Service

Immunisation schedule for 6 to 12 year olds

Age

Vaccines

Primary 1

DTaP-IPV (booster)
Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) (2nd dose depending on DOB)

Primary 5

Human papillomavirus (1st dose)

Primary 6

DTaP-IPV (booster)
Human papillomavirus (2nd dose)

Source: HK Family Health Service

Considering moving abroad to live in Hong Kong?

Discover all you need to know in our guide to living in Hong Kong

Vaccination schedule in UAE

The United Arab Emirates operates a national childhood vaccination programme with mandatory immunisation requirements for children. Vaccinations are introduced from birth and continue throughout childhood and adolescence, with compliance often linked to school enrolment and access to certain services.

Vaccines may be provided through government health facilities or private clinics, depending on residency status, emirate-level regulations and healthcare access. Coverage and costs can vary, so parents are advised to confirm how routine vaccinations are delivered and funded in their specific location.

Immunisation schedule from birth to 18 months

 

Age

Vaccines

From birth

BCG
Hepatitis B (1st dose)

2 months

Hexavalent (DTaP, Hib, IPV) (1st dose)
Hepatitis B (2nd dose)
PCV (1st dose)
Rotavirus (1st dose)

4 months

Hexavalent (2nd dose)
Hepatitis B (3rd dose)
PCV (2nd dose)
Rotavirus (2nd dose)

6 months

Pentavalent (DTP, Hib) (3rd dose)
Hepatitis B (4th dose)
OPV
PCV (3rd dose)
Rotavirus (3rd dose)

12 months

MMR (1st dose)
Varicella (1st dose)

18 months

Pentaxim (DTaP, Hib, IPV) (4th dose)
OPV (1st booster)
MMR (2nd dose)

Source: DHA.gov

Immunisation schedule from 5 to 18 years

 

Age

Vaccines

5 to 6 years

DTaP, IPV (5th dose)
OPV (2nd booster)
Varicella (2nd dose)

13 to 14 years

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) (2 doses)

15 to 18 years

Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) (booster)
Meningococcal (ACWY)

Source: DHA.gov

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How can expat families access childhood vaccinations abroad?

Access to childhood vaccinations depends on local healthcare systems, residency status and whether care is provided through public or private services.

In countries with publicly funded healthcare systems, children of resident taxpayers often qualify for routine immunisation programmes. In other regions, vaccinations may be provided through private clinics, employers or insurance-supported healthcare services.

It’s important to confirm eligibility early and keep clear records of all vaccinations, particularly if you expect to move countries again.

How to find your local childhood vaccination schedule

Because childhood vaccination schedules vary from country to country, the most reliable way to find accurate and up-to-date information is to consult official public health sources in your country of residence.

These schedules are regularly reviewed and may change in response to disease trends, public health policy or new medical evidence.

Parents living abroad can usually find local vaccination guidance through:

• National or regional health ministry websites
• Government-run public health agencies
• Maternal and child health clinics or paediatric services
• School enrolment guidance, which often outlines required vaccinations

International organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) also provide high-level guidance on routine and travel-related vaccinations, but local vaccination schedules should always be prioritised.

If you are unsure how your child’s existing vaccinations align with a new country’s schedule, a healthcare professional can advise on catch-up or transitional immunisation plans.

Are there additional vaccines expat children may need?

In addition to routine childhood vaccinations, some children may be advised to receive travel-related or region-specific vaccines, depending on where they live or travel. These are usually recommended following an individual risk assessment rather than included in national schedules.

Some examples of these vaccines include:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Japanese encephalitis
• Tick-borne encephalitis
• Rabies
• Yellow fever (subject to country entry requirements)

Before travelling to another country, you should always check which vaccines are required or advisable for the country you are travelling to.

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Frequently asked questions about childhood vaccinations

Do I have to get my children vaccinated?

As always, this is up to the authorities in the country, state or region you’re living in.

Many countries around the world have a mandatory vaccination programme, which means children will only be allowed to attend school if they are up-to-date with their inoculations.

Some countries enforce these requirements through penalties or restrictions on school attendance.

Are childhood vaccines safe?

Childhood vaccines used in national immunisation programmes are carefully tested and monitored for safety. They are typically introduced only after extensive research and ongoing review.

While mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or a mild fever, can occur, serious reactions are rare. If you have concerns about a specific vaccine or your child’s health, a healthcare professional can provide guidance based on your child’s individual circumstances.

Can I use private medical insurance abroad to vaccinate my children?

If the country you live in has a state-funded vaccination programme, and you are a resident who pays taxes, you probably won’t need to go to a private healthcare provider. This applies even in many countries that have an out-of-pocket (i.e. entirely self-funded) healthcare model.

Many countries are even supported by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) to help them vaccinate everyone living in the country.

However, if you would prefer to get your child vaccinated through private means, or if this is the only option for you, you’ll be glad to know that many expatriate family healthcare plans include vaccinations.

That said, you should check the wording of your own plan before consulting a medical professional to make sure your child fits the necessary criteria for coverage.

Learn more about international health insurance

Do children have to be vaccinated to attend school abroad?

Requirements vary by country and sometimes by region or school. In many countries, proof of vaccination is required for school entry, although exemptions may apply. Parents or legal guardians should check local education and public health regulations.

Will my child be covered for every disease in a region?

Not necessarily. The simple reason for this is that some diseases cannot be vaccinated against.

Two examples of diseases that do not currently have universally recommended childhood vaccines are malaria and dengue fever. Both of these diseases are spread by mosquitos and are known throughout South and Southeast Asia, Central Africa and South America.

The best ways to avoid catching these diseases include wearing sensible clothing and insect repellent, sleeping under mosquito nets and avoiding areas with standing water, especially in the evenings when mosquitos tend to feed.

These are just two examples of diseases that your child may not be able to receive a vaccination for, so be sure to learn as much as you can about the area you will be living in, including uncommon diseases you may encounter.

What if my child started their vaccinations in another country?

If your child began their vaccination schedule in one country and then moved abroad, this is very common and usually manageable. In many cases, healthcare providers can continue your child’s vaccinations using an equivalent or “catch-up” schedule.

It’s important to bring your child’s vaccination records with you, as these help local healthcare professionals determine which vaccines have already been given and which may still be needed. A doctor or nurse can then advise how best to align your child’s vaccinations with the local programme.

Are all childhood illnesses preventable with vaccines?

No. While vaccines protect against many serious infectious diseases, not all illnesses have vaccines. For example, malaria and dengue fever currently have limited or region-specific preventive options and are primarily managed through mosquito avoidance measures.

Are there any other scheduled child checks I should be aware of?

You may also want to make sure your child is receiving regular development checks. These are to ensure their body and organs are growing and developing in the right way.

As well as numerous tests which will be conducted at birth, your child will need subsequent regular checks for hip dysplasia, sight, hearing, speech and cognitive development, as well as to check their height and weight, until they are around two years old.

Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about these checks, but bear in mind that timings for routine examinations and the types of inspections carried out will differ from country to country. Ask for clarification if you need it, and whether any particular specialists may be recommended.

Practical tips for managing childhood vaccinations abroad

1/ Keep a record of your child’s vaccinations

While each country makes efforts to ensure vaccine schedules are spaced out at appropriate intervals for maximum efficacy – it’s up to the parents to keep track of their own child’s immunisations. Most parents will be able to keep track of their child’s vaccinations through their local family doctor. However, as an expat this can be a challenge.

Some countries issue a health record book at birth, but there are also handy logbooks available to buy online too. Whichever option you choose is fine, so long as it easy for you to keep track of, and of course, portable should you move or travel. Plus it’ll make a handy record to pass onto your child when they eventually move onto their adult vaccination schedules.

2/ Keep calm at the appointments

Children are very instinctive and can sense parents anxiety a mile away. It’s natural to worry, but the calmer you are, the calmer your child is likely to be. It’s a good idea to explain to your child what they should expect if possible, in simple language.

It’s equally important to allow plenty of time to get to your appointment to avoid any undue stress.

3/ Dress babies and children in easy to remove clothing

Babies often need injections in the thigh(s) and children and toddlers usually need injections in the upper arm.

You can make the process smoother by dressing your child in easy to move/remove clothing such as a sleepsuit for babies or short-sleeved tops for older children.

4/ Bring their favourite treat or distraction

While it’s almost always inevitable to get a few tears at these appointments, a good way to minimise the stress is to bring along something to distract your child.

It could be as simple as bringing a bottle of milk to the appointment to give a young baby at the end, or letting your child cuddle their favourite soft toy or watch their favourite show on a mobile device while the jab is being done.

After the vaccination, it’s important to give your child lots of praise and celebrate how brave they were. You can even reward them with a trip to the park or getting an ice cream!

5/ Join a local parent and child group

Being a new parent is challenging no matter which country you are in, and some healthcare systems are more “on the ball” than others. That’s why it’s always a good idea to reach out to other parents, especially local people, for help, friendly advice and support.

Thankfully, parent and baby groups are typically well established in most large, cosmopolitan cities, from Dubai to Bangkok. Try searching on social media or ask your family doctor for help finding connections.

6/ Speak to a medical professional about your child’s individual schedule

If you have questions about a certain vaccine, or if you are going to be travelling to other countries on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to discuss your child’s proposed immunisation plan at an early stage with a medical professional.

In many countries, additional vaccines may be available by request. In Thailand, for instance, you can ask for your child to be inoculated for influenza, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), subject to discussion with your paediatrician.

You may also want to think about other questions to ask your healthcare provider, such as:

• Could you add certain vaccines to your schedule?
• Is a particular treatment recommended?
• Is the vaccine available in your host country or would you need to travel back to your home country to receive it?
• What costs would be involved, and what will be covered by your international medical insurance?
• Could your current paediatrician administer the injection?
• How would a joint immunisation schedule work in terms of recommended timings and combinations?
• Are there any possible side effects associated with a particular vaccination?

7/ Ask about catch-up vaccination schedules

If a child has missed doses due to travel or relocation, healthcare providers can often design a catch-up schedule that safely brings them up to date.

You should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional before undertaking any immunisation programme or resuming one already in progress.

Finding a reliable doctor abroad can be stressful

Learn more in our guide to seeing a doctor abroad

Wherever you go, go with total peace of mind

No matter where you go, you can take one thing off your mind. William Russell offers international health insurance that covers you for everything from minor injuries to long hospital stays. We can even offer emergency medical evacuation to patients who require emergency life or limb-saving treatment in other countries which isn’t available locally.

At William Russell, we have been providing worldwide health cover for over 30 years, helping expats like you and their families to settle into their new homes. Speak to us today to find out more about how international health insurance could support you.

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