Thai Red Cross offers mpox vaccine for 8,500 baht per dose

The Thai Red Cross Society has initiated mpox (formerly monkeypox) vaccinations for the public, priced at 8,500 baht per dose, primarily targeting men who have sex with men and individuals with multiple sexual partners.

This follows Professor Emeritus Dr Wasun Chantratita from the Medical Genomics Center at the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, sharing insights on mpox. He highlighted that the Thai Red Cross has imported the vaccine, which reportedly reduces the severity of the disease by 68 to 80%.

Upon verifying with the Thai Red Cross Society, it was confirmed that there is currently no direct mpox vaccine. However, a two-dose subcutaneous vaccination, spaced at least 28 days apart, shows an efficacy rate of 80 to 85% in preventing mpox. Eligible recipients include those aged 18 and above who meet specific criteria.

The recommended recipients are individuals who have had direct contact with mpox patients, such as sexual partners or those who have come into close contact with the patient’s lesions. It is advised to start the vaccination within 14 days of exposure, optimally within four days.

Additionally, pre-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for healthcare workers, laboratory personnel handling mpox, HIV-positive individuals, high-risk men who have sex with men, those with multiple sexual partners, or individuals diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections within the past six months.

The Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute offers the vaccine to adults aged 18 and above. Vaccinations are administered at the Rajuthit Building of the Thai Red Cross Society, available in two methods.

The subcutaneous injection, at a full dose of 0.5 millilitres, is priced at 8,500 baht per dose, with a two-dose regimen 28 days apart. Alternatively, the intradermal injection, administered at 0.1 millilitres per point, costs 2,200 baht per point, requiring a group of four people to receive the vaccine simultaneously, also in two doses 28 days apart, reported KhaoSod.

Service hours for vaccinations are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 12pm, with the queue closing at 11.30am, and from 1pm to 4pm, with the queue closing at 4pm. On Saturdays and public holidays, services are available from 8.30am to 12pm, with the queue closing at 11.30am. The institute is closed on Sundays.

“The vaccine is essential for high-risk groups to mitigate the spread and severity of mpox. We encourage those eligible to come forward and get vaccinated to protect themselves and their partners.”