Registration for mass COVID-19 inoculation of people living in Bangkok, aged 18-59 and not in high-risk groups opens today (Thursday), through three main channels – convenience stores, the www.ไทยร่วมใจ.com website, and “Pao Tang” application.
Many people have reportedly been registering for vaccination online, with some expressing some confusion initially.
According to the Thai Ruam Jai Facebook page, people registering for vaccination via the website need to wait for a confirmation text message before they can select the date, time and venue for vaccination.
More than 3,300 7-Eleven stores in Bangkok started receiving COVID-19 vaccination applications from members of the public from noon today, as part of the joint effort, by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Thai Chamber of Commerce, to improve access to the vaccines.
“This is a mission that we, 7-Eleven, are proud to support in all communities, so that Thailand can become strong again,” said Mr. Vichai Janjariyakun, managing director of CP All, a part of the CP Group.
As customers continue to use their services, he said that all stores have been instructed to enforce basic safety measures strictly, including the requirement that all customers must wear face masks, have their temperatures checked and maintain social distancing.
Applications can be submitted from 8.30am to 6pm at 3,314 7Eleven stores in Bangkok until further notice. Applicants must bring their smart phones with them, show their ID cards and inform the store staff of their wish to apply for vaccination viathe Thai Ruam Jai website. The staff will help with the application process.
The applicants will later receive text messages confirming their applications and vaccination appointments. Additional enquiries can be made via the 1516 hotline every day from 8am until 8pm.
Other convenience stores, such as FamilyMart and Mini Big C, also offer a similar application service.
The BMA also issued a warning to applicants today, to be aware of fake websites, offering vaccine application services, and to report any they find to the BMA.
Meanwhile, Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutacha has called on the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to clarify its decision to reduce vaccination applications via the Mor Prom app, saying that the decision has caused widespread public confusion.
While admitting that he understands the need for the adjustment of vaccine allocation, to meet the changing situation, he said that he disagreed with the inconsistencies in vaccination timetables.
Mr. Satit said that people over 60, and those suffering from any of the seven underlying diseases, namely chronic respiratory disease, heart and blood vessel disease, chronic kidney disease, cerebrovascular disease or stroke, cancer, obesity and diabetes,can still apply for vaccinations via the Mor Prom app until May 30th and that they will receive inoculations starting on June 7th.
CCSA Spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin said, in his Facebook post yesterday, that the CCSA has not ordered a stop on the use of Mor Prom app, but merely asked that fewer people use that channel, adding that more channels are being opened for applications.
