Workers returning from provinces can get second, third vaccine doses in Bangkok

The health minister says jobseekers returning from the provinces to work in Bangkok can get their vaccine doses in the capital. Anutin Charnvirakul says some people may have appointments for a second dose or a third, booster dose, in their home provinces. However, they can opt to have them in Bangkok instead. He was speaking as workers previously employed in the capital but forced to return to their home provinces during the lockdown are now preparing to return.

According to a Bangkok Post report, health officials are working to ensure returning employees awaiting their second or third vaccine dose will be able to get it in the capital. Vaccination centres are open at Bang Sue Grand Station, Rajavithi Hospital, Lert Sin Hospital, and the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute. A new vaccination centre is also opening at Nimibutr Stadium, according to Anutin. The health minister says people who have received 2 doses of China’s Sinopharm vaccine will be able to get booster doses.

In related news, the governor of Bangkok says proactive screening will be expanded across the capital’s public transport network. Aswin Kwanmuang says tests will be provided at electric train systems and interprovincial bus terminals. He is also urging people who are yet to be vaccinated to do so at the Thai-Japanese Stadium from Tuesday.

“We will procure antigen test kits for rapid testing. City Hall has been carrying out proactive screening and will expand it to public transport networks.”

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Post reports a change in the mix-and-match formula being offered at Bang Sue Grand Station. Vaccine recipients will now be offered a combination of AstraZeneca and Pfizer, for first and second dose respectively, replacing the previous combination of Sinovac and AstraZeneca. There will be a 28-day period between both doses.

For more information on how to get into Thailand during the pandemic, CLICK HERE.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post