Dr Wong Yee Ming - Baby & Child Specialist

15/11/2025

Soy milk is often considered as an alternative for infants with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), but is it really suitable for infants? There is a known risk of cross-reactivity, especially in younger infants, higher in non-IgE mediated cow's milk allergy than IgE mediated Cow's milk allergy. BEsides, there are concerns on phytoestrogens and the long term effects on puberty. Current evidence shows that soy formulas are generally safe, yet not the first choice in many cases. More importantly, every child’s allergy profile is different. Before introducing soy, it is best to evaluate the risks and suitability properly. Always discuss these decisions with an allergist or paediatrician who can guide the safest feeding option for your child.

31/10/2025

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is one of the leading causes of severe respiratory illness in infants under one year old and it can be frighteningly dangerous.

Complications may lead to hospitalisation, especially in young or premature babies. The good news? Malaysia now has both the maternal RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibody available. These can greatly reduce the risk of severe infection and hospital admission. While the cost may be on the higher side, it’s worth considering for your child’s protection.

It's RSV "season" whole year round in Malaysia. Early prevention saves worry, hospital stays, and sometimes, lives.

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23/10/2025

Breastfeeding offers many benefits, including protection against allergic rhinitis, and possibly atopic dermatitis and asthma. However, evidence shows that prolonged exclusive breastfeeding beyond 6 months may increase the risk of food allergy. This does not mean breastfeeding is harmful, but rather that timely introduction of complementary foods between 4 to 6 months. This is important, particularly for high-risk infants with a family history of allergies. Early and appropriate exposure to allergenic foods such as peanut or egg may help the immune system develop tolerance and reduce the likelihood of future allergies. Balanced timing remains key in allergy prevention.

06/10/2025

Wishing everyone a warm Mid-Autumn Festival! 🌕✨ Grateful for the thoughtful gifts and delicious mooncakes shared this season. As we enjoy reunion moments with family, let’s not forget to stay mindful of allergies, especially in our little ones. May your celebrations be joyful, safe, and filled with togetherness. From your friendly neighborhood Dr. Wong Yee Ming. 😊

05/10/2025

Allergy is on the rise among Malaysian children, from eczema and food allergies to allergic rhinitis and asthma. The most important risk factor? Family history. If mum, dad, or siblings have allergies, your child’s chances increase too. Early recognition and prevention can make a huge difference in their quality of life.

We now have the Malaysia Allergy Prevention (MAP) Guidelines, 2nd Edition. It's the latest reference for healthcare professionals to improve allergy care.

📘 Want a copy? Comment “MAP” below and we’ll send you the download link within the week! (Comment on the Instagram post have a faster response to download link due to automated response)

29/09/2025

29/09/2025

A long awaited update in Allergy Care in Malaysia.

After 11 years, the Malaysia Allergy Prevention Guidelines (2nd Edition) are finally here.

Now, this is a huge step forward in giving healthcare professionals the latest evidence-based recommendations for better allergy care in Malaysia.

Thank you to all who made this possible – MSAI, Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA), Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM).

Allergy is changing fast, so let’s keep learning, keep updating, and aim to build our own local data for the future. 💪

Stay tuned, the soft copy will be available for healthcare professionals and I will help to spread the awareness. 😊

25/09/2025

Influenza is no longer just a seasonal visitor, it’s around almost all year. That’s why protection matters more than ever. As pediatricians, we don’t just advocate for the influenza vaccine, we also walk the talk by being among the first to roll up our sleeves for our annual influenza shots

The influenza vaccine is almost painless, with minimal side effects, yet it provides strong protection that lasts. A small step for today, but a big shield for tomorrow. 💪

Stay protected, keep your loved ones safe, and let’s beat the flu together.

16/09/2025

Fever after vaccination is something many parents worry about, but it’s usually just the body’s natural response while building protection. Different vaccines carry different chances of causing fever.

For example, influenza and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines rarely cause a significant rise in temperature. The hexavalent and pneumococcal vaccines may bring on mild fever in some children, but this often settles within a day or two. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is more commonly linked with fever, and when given as the MMRV combination, the risk of fever is slightly higher, with a very rare chance of febrile seizures.

While this sounds worrying, these reactions are generally harmless and temporary. This short reel is meant to give parents a general feel of the odds of fever, so you can be prepared and not taken by surprise.

A little fever is a small trade-off for strong, lasting protection.

16/09/2025

Happy Malaysia Day!

On this special day, it’s good to pause and reflect on the things that truly unite us. Sometimes, we get too caught up in small mistakes or differences and forget the bigger picture. What really binds us is the warmth of our people, the joy of sharing food across cultures, the vibrancy of our traditions, and the excitement of sports that bring Malaysians of all walks together. And of course, let’s not forget about the public holidays that everyone looks forward to!

In many ways, Malaysia’s diversity reminds me of allergens. They come in all shapes and sizes too, from peanuts to pollen, from shellfish to dust. Just as we learn to manage them, we also learn to embrace and celebrate our differences as a nation.
With the school holidays here, parents do need to be extra mindful if your child has allergies, asthma, or other health needs. Rest assured, as your friendly paediatrician, I’m always here whenever you need me.

So this Malaysia Day, let’s focus on what’s important: unity, respect, and care for one another. Wishing our beloved Malaysia many more years of strength, harmony, and good health!

01/09/2025

After vaccination, some children may develop a fever but the timing matters. Immediate fever (within 24-48 hours) is usually the body’s first response to the vaccine ingredients, such as inactivated components or adjuvants. This is short-lived and settles quickly. Delayed fever (after 4–10 days) often happens with live attenuated vaccines, like MMR, when the weakened virus stimulates the immune system a little later. Both types are generally mild and expected. What’s important: monitor your child, keep them comfortable, and seek medical advice if fever is very high, prolonged, or if your child seems unusually unwell. Stay tuned for Part 2.

27/08/2025

Dear Parents,
I will be away attending the EAACI Allergy School in Hong Kong, a scientific meeting dedicated to advancing knowledge in allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology. This time away is in the name of education and science, to learn, share, and gain valuable insights from fellow international colleagues. Such experiences will help to bring back new perspectives and approaches to better care for your children.

Please note that the clinic will reopen as usual on 2nd September. Thank you for your kind understanding, and looking forward to serving you again soon.