Thailand’s Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul approved walk-in COVID-19 vaccination facilities in all provinces today (Wednesday), hoping to inoculate at least 70% of the population.
The approval came as the government’s COVID-19 vaccination management committee convened for the second time this year. The arrangement of walk-in facilities is to be managed by each provincial authority and will be one of the options for people seeking inoculation. The other channels are through the Mor Prom application or the LINE Official Account and group appointments for each agency.
The new channel will help those without smartphones to register for inoculation to access the program, said Director-General of the Disease Control Department Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong.
He still urged people, however, to register for vaccination through the app, so that follow-ups, related to side effects, can be made, for 2nd dose appointments and for vaccination certification.
He explained that the inoculations will not be limited to high-risk areas, but will cover all areas, where each province will have to take responsibility.
Dr. Opart also urged people not to worry, as he assured that all vaccine brands are safe, adding that doctors will determine which vaccine is safe for each person, and all inoculations are done under a doctor’s supervision.
At the meeting today, the plan to procure 50 million more doses of vaccine next year was also approved, paving the way for Thailand to inoculate its entire population, with a total of 150 million doses. 100 million doses are set to be procured this year.
The committee will also discuss, with vaccine producers, the allocation of vaccines that will curb possible mutations of the virus, and get everyone inoculated with the first dose as soon as possible.
So far, out of 2 million doses administered, he said that there have not yet been any reports of deaths or disabilities.
