In a statement, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the five-series childhood vaccination programme which has been in use since 2008 will be replaced with a six-series vaccination programme.

It will be implemented in stages from this month.

The new programme covers diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B and haemophilus influenza type b.

Previously, hepatitis B vaccination shots were not part of the five-series vaccination programme, so children were given their vaccines for the disease separately after birth, and when they were one and six months old.

Now, Noor Hisham said, hepatitis B will be included in the six-series vaccination, meaning children will only need to receive five vaccine shots instead of seven.

They will no longer need to receive hepatitis B vaccination shots when they are one and six months old. However, they will still be given the vaccine after birth.

“This will make it easier for parents to ensure their children receive their vaccination shots according to the immunisation schedule,” he said, adding that parents still need to take their babies for scheduled check-ups.

Noor Hisham said the use of a six-series vaccination programme is safe and effective, adding that the World Health Organization has been monitoring its use in 49 countries.

In Malaysia, he said, private health facilities have been using the six-series vaccination programme since 2013 and no serious issues have been reported.

Those with queries on the new national immunisation schedule may call the ministry at 03-88834042 or 03-88834504 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm or visit the government clinics.