People who received two doses of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine between March and May this year will be the first to be eligible for AstraZeneca booster shots, starting next Friday (September 24th). Those who received the Sinopharm vaccine will be next, according to Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

The move is part of the government’s plan to inoculate those who received two doses of inactivated virus vaccines, such as Sinovac and Sinopharm, with booster shots. Many medics have already received their third shots.

September 24th is Prince Mahidol Day, which commemorates the contributions to Thai medicine and medical education made by late King Bhumibol’s father.

A total of 42.27 million doses of various COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Thailand to date, mainly AstraZeneca and Sinovac. About 14.28 million people, or just over 20% of the population, have received two jabs, while almost 9% have received their third shots.