Songkran
Government aims to administer boosters to 70% of elderly before Songkran holiday

Health officials plan to administer booster vaccine doses to 70% of Thailand’s elderly population ahead of the Songkran holiday in April. According to a Bangkok Post report, the Department of Disease Control says it doesn’t want to see a repeat of last year, when infections and deaths rose significantly after the Thai New Year holiday, due to the limited availability of vaccines.
Wicharn Pawan, who heads up the communicable diseases division of the DDC, says the rollout of booster doses is being accelerated to protect the elderly ahead of holiday visits from family members.
“The ministry won’t be taking any chances this year and will speed up the rollout of booster shots for the elderly before the holiday exodus begins.”
Wicharn says a third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine can help reduce the risk of serious illness and death by 41 times, as he urged those who have not already done so to come forward for vaccination. Provincial public health officials have been instructed to check the vaccination status of residents in their jurisdiction and to offer a booster dose to all senior citizens. Wicharn says other relevant agencies, along with the private sector, are being asked to work with the government to ensure the 70% target can be met on time.
“Elderly citizens who are due for a booster shot should get them before Songkran. About 3 million doses have been prepared for this age group.”
The health chief has also urged people who plan to return to their home provinces for the holiday to get their booster doses before travelling, and to avoid indulging in any activities that could increase their chances of contracting the virus.
According to a study carried out by the Faculty of Public Health at Chiang Mai University, a third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine offers 68% more protection against the highly-contagious Omicron variant when compared to 2 doses of the vaccine. A fourth shot offers 82% more protection.
“Two shots could prevent death, but do we still need a booster shot? I have to say (a third shot) is necessary because it increases protection against infection. Early protection can significantly reduce the risk of death.”
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
Get more from The Thaiger
Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.
Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.
Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.
- Crime4 days ago
Danish man left suicidal after being raped for a week in Phuket
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)3 days ago
BREAKING: Bars reopening in Thailand’s “Green” and “Blue” Zones, changes to Thailand Pass
- Bangkok4 days ago
UPDATE: Bangkok governor candidates answer Russell Crowe’s questions on TV
- Press Room3 days ago
What’s behind CP’s successful Metaverse campaign?
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)4 days ago
Thailand plans to declare Covid-19 endemic earlier than expected
- Business3 days ago
Thai AirAsia X becomes third airline in Thailand to file for bankruptcy
- South4 days ago
Nok Air gamble fails to take off costing airline millions
- Phuket3 days ago
Love drugs found in hotel of Aussie man who plunged to his death
Recent comments: