Make Sure The Vaccination Program Runs Smoothly, Thailand Orders Millions Of Doses Of COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccine illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/bratislavskysamospravnykraj)

JAKARTA - Thai authorities started a COVID-19 vaccination program for their citizens last Monday, June 7, when the third wave of COVID-19 hit the country since April 1 and has so far infected 151,023

"The government will ensure that everyone is vaccinated," Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said in televised comments after he visited an inoculation center in Bangkok.

However, the high enthusiasm for the implementation of the vaccination program has caused a number of vaccination sites to have registrants exceeding the quota, causing delays.

"We apologize if your vaccination appointment is postponed, but will ensure you are registered early," said senior health official Opas Karnkawinpong, referring to residents who canceled yesterday's vaccinations.

Thailand itself targets to be able to provide around 6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this month, which consists of the locally made AstraZeneca vaccine and the imported Sinovac vaccine.

A total of 306,580 people received the COVID-19 vaccine in yesterday's vaccination, as reported by Thai PBS World Tuesday, June 8. To support this vaccination program, Thai Prime Minister Prayut said a contract to purchase 25 million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine had been signed.

Meanwhile, Thailand Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the Ministry of Public Health is expected to sign a worksheet for the procurement of 20 million doses of Pfizer and five million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine this weekend.

Minister Anutin said he was not aware of several hospitals delaying vaccination appointments. However, he confirmed that the hospital must provide an explanation if there is a delay in his ministry.

Separately, the Private Hospitals Association (PHA) of Thailand is expected to confirm the price of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which will be provided as a paid alternative outside the government program. The Moderna vaccine has been approved by the Thai Food and Drug Administration and will be available for purchase at private hospitals.

According to a Pattaya News report, Paiboon Eksaengsri of PHA said the association has held talks with Zuellig Pharma, the Asian distributor of Moderna's vaccine.

Recent reports say Moderna's vaccine costs around 1,200 baht per dose, excluding service and insurance costs. It is expected that the total cost of inoculation with 2 doses does not exceed 4,000 baht, including costs. Paiboon said PHA would try to keep prices affordable.

"PHA will try to keep prices as low as possible. Initially, the association ordered around 10 million doses of Moderna vaccine through the Government Pharmaceutical Organization. The first lot will probably be distributed in October or sooner," he explained.