Expats getting a Covid-19 vaccine in Pattaya for dummies with emphasis on expats outside the Thai system

[WaveHunter]

Today I joined the ranks of fully-vaccinated expats in Thailand...Yay!  Even though it's still dangerous out there for fully vaccinated people, it's still a liberating feeling to know I don't have to feel like a scared hermit anymore ????

 

For what it's worth, I got Pfizer as my second jab after a first jab of AZ last month.  I really did not want to wait until the middle of October for the 2nd AZ jab because I have international travel plans later in September. 

 

Med Park Hospital was willing to accommodate me,,,and NO, I did not lie about having gotten the previous jab.  I was very frank about my concerns for waiting so long for full vaccination since I have to travel internationally by the end of September, and they were agreeable to giving me Pfizer as a 2nd jab, even though only one month has gone by since my first jab.

 

So...the reason I'm sharing this is because 1) Medical professionals apparently do not feel that strongly that 12 weeks must go by for a second jab, and 2) If you have a compelling reason to be fully vaccinated in less than 12 weeks, they seem willing to work with you.  If you are in a similar situation, and can;t get Pfizer locally in Chon Buri, the trips up to Bangkok to Med Park is not a big issue.

 

Just don't do it on the day of a monsoon!  The drive up was horrendous today...nothing like driving to drive along a motorway under 3 feet of water! ????

 

 

 

Edited August 27, 2021 by WaveHunter

[EVENKEEL]

On 8/16/2021 at 11:45 PM, Rimmer said:

I had registered three times at Samitivej on their own registration form over a period of several weeks, because each time the form was a different format. 

They finally called and I got Pfizer this morning, no charge,  Thank you Uncle Sam

 

Very well organized and helpful staff.

 

Spoke with of the guys on duty there, he said its just the luck of the draw, they have so many applications and a very limited supply of vaccine.

When is your second shot scheduled? Thank you

[Rimmer]

1 minute ago, EVENKEEL said:

When is your second shot scheduled? Thank you

 

7th of September

[Rimmer]

Off topic post removed

[steve187]

On 8/26/2021 at 6:04 PM, Harry2 said:

I have just successfully registered on the Mor Phrom app using my details from the Phayathai 2 AZ jab. It showed a very detailed summary of my AZ jab details. It seems that this app may become Thailand vaccine e-passport.

have you had 2nd jab

[bookstore]

7 hours ago, kinyara said:

It's strange how it works out, reading this thread I get the distinct feeling that those who were patient and trusted that the vaccination program would commence in Pattaya will end up getting fully vaccinated quicker and with a lot less hassle than the more outspoken contributors to this thread who sought out the earliest possible solution elsewhere.

 

From your story you seemed to have gone quite a complicated route that you thought was in your best interests.

I am still alive and I don't have Covid that's the bottom line and that's all that matters at this point everything else was worth the trouble. 

[bookstore]

8 hours ago, skatewash said:

You got a first jab of AstraZeneca and then received an appointment for a second of AZ.  But instead of waiting for the second AZ jab you decided to use a program intended for those who had not received any vaccination at all and get yourself a Pfizer jab.  That is how you arrived at your dilemma.  Ignoring the rules and doing things your own way.  If you had simply waited to receive your scheduled second AZ jab you would not be in this situation.  You would be able to go to the US and return to Phuket through the Sandbox as you would have been fully vaccinated with AZ.  So I agree you now have a dilemma but it's one of your own making.

Just a small bump in the road my friend. I am retired and have nothing but free time on my hands and life goes on. The out come could have been a lot worst ain't nothing but a thang. I am ready for things to return to normal

[Jingthing]

12 hours ago, kinyara said:

It's strange how it works out, reading this thread I get the distinct feeling that those who were patient and trusted that the vaccination program would commence in Pattaya will end up getting fully vaccinated quicker and with a lot less hassle than the more outspoken contributors to this thread who sought out the earliest possible solution elsewhere.

 

From your story you seemed to have gone quite a complicated route that you thought was in your best interests.

In hindsight, yes. Heard of Monday morning quarterbacking? Nobody knew how things would develop in Pattaya and for months we had a record of promises made, promises not kept. So it was logical to be proactive. 

[EVENKEEL]

15 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

Today I joined the ranks of fully-vaccinated expats in Thailand...Yay!  Even though it's still dangerous out there for fully vaccinated people, it's still a liberating feeling to know I don't have to feel like a scared hermit anymore ????

 

For what it's worth, I got Pfizer as my second jab after a first jab of AZ last month.  I really did not want to wait until the middle of October for the 2nd AZ jab because I have international travel plans later in September. 

 

Med Park Hospital was willing to accommodate me,,,and NO, I did not lie about having gotten the previous jab.  I was very frank about my concerns for waiting so long for full vaccination since I have to travel internationally by the end of September, and they were agreeable to giving me Pfizer as a 2nd jab, even though only one month has gone by since my first jab.

 

So...the reason I'm sharing this is because 1) Medical professionals apparently do not feel that strongly that 12 weeks must go by for a second jab, and 2) If you have a compelling reason to be fully vaccinated in less than 12 weeks, they seem willing to work with you.  If you are in a similar situation, and can;t get Pfizer locally in Chon Buri, the trips up to Bangkok to Med Park is not a big issue.

 

Just don't do it on the day of a monsoon!  The drive up was horrendous today...nothing like driving to drive along a motorway under 3 feet of water! ????

 

 

 

Congratulations, What type of Vaccine Card were you given after being fully vaccinated?

[thirsty21]

quick Question.

I'm under 40 with no underlying conditions.  I guess there is no vaccination for me yet? I'm happy to wait for more needed to get their shots, just trying to get this done and move on...

[Harry2]

On 8/27/2021 at 7:01 PM, EVENKEEL said:

When is your second shot scheduled? Thank you

End of Sept, 12 weeks after the first..

[Harry2]

On 8/27/2021 at 4:41 PM, WaveHunter said:

Today I joined the ranks of fully-vaccinated expats in Thailand...Yay!  Even though it's still dangerous out there for fully vaccinated people, it's still a liberating feeling to know I don't have to feel like a scared hermit anymore ????

 

For what it's worth, I got Pfizer as my second jab after a first jab of AZ last month.  I really did not want to wait until the middle of October for the 2nd AZ jab because I have international travel plans later in September. 

 

Med Park Hospital was willing to accommodate me,,,and NO, I did not lie about having gotten the previous jab.  I was very frank about my concerns for waiting so long for full vaccination since I have to travel internationally by the end of September, and they were agreeable to giving me Pfizer as a 2nd jab, even though only one month has gone by since my first jab.

 

So...the reason I'm sharing this is because 1) Medical professionals apparently do not feel that strongly that 12 weeks must go by for a second jab, and 2) If you have a compelling reason to be fully vaccinated in less than 12 weeks, they seem willing to work with you.  If you are in a similar situation, and can;t get Pfizer locally in Chon Buri, the trips up to Bangkok to Med Park is not a big issue.

 

Just don't do it on the day of a monsoon!  The drive up was horrendous today...nothing like driving to drive along a motorway under 3 feet of water! ????

 

 

 

Wave thanks for sharing this. I don't blame you taking that route, I am also living like a hermit & want to do intl travel shortly. But how does this mixed vaccine approach affect your 'official' vaccination status both within Thailand & internationally? The main reason I am sitting it out till I get my 2nd AZ is because I have clarity, at least domestically, that my double AZ will be internally acceptable for fully vaccinated status via More Phrom etc.

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

On 8/27/2021 at 4:41 PM, WaveHunter said:

Today I joined the ranks of fully-vaccinated expats in Thailand...Yay!  Even though it's still dangerous out there for fully vaccinated people, it's still a liberating feeling to know I don't have to feel like a scared hermit anymore ????

 

For what it's worth, I got Pfizer as my second jab after a first jab of AZ last month.  I really did not want to wait until the middle of October for the 2nd AZ jab because I have international travel plans later in September. 

 

Med Park Hospital was willing to accommodate me,,,and NO, I did not lie about having gotten the previous jab.  I was very frank about my concerns for waiting so long for full vaccination since I have to travel internationally by the end of September, and they were agreeable to giving me Pfizer as a 2nd jab, even though only one month has gone by since my first jab.

 

So...the reason I'm sharing this is because 1) Medical professionals apparently do not feel that strongly that 12 weeks must go by for a second jab, and 2) If you have a compelling reason to be fully vaccinated in less than 12 weeks, they seem willing to work with you.  If you are in a similar situation, and can;t get Pfizer locally in Chon Buri, the trips up to Bangkok to Med Park is not a big issue.

 

Just don't do it on the day of a monsoon!  The drive up was horrendous today...nothing like driving to drive along a motorway under 3 feet of water! ????

 

 

I and others would like to know whether you have an official record, paper and/or electronic, of being fully vaccinated: AZ and Pfizer.  Many thanks. 

 

I also must travel in October and need to show up in the home country with a record of vaccination to avoid a 14-day quarantine. Not to mention the health benefits.

[kinyara]

5 hours ago, thirsty21 said:

quick Question.

I'm under 40 with no underlying conditions.  I guess there is no vaccination for me yet? I'm happy to wait for more needed to get their shots, just trying to get this done and move on...

As far as I've seen this latest round being dispensed in Pattaya for foreigners is 40+ if you don't have the specified underlying conditions. With a bit of luck you won't have too much longer to wait.

[bookstore]

I was looking at the requirements for entry into Thailand And it stated you need a "Fit to Fly" or "Fit to Travel" certificate this is one of the requirement for a COE  does anyone know what that is?

[Mansell]

For any farang with a Thai wife who wants a Sinovac vaccine with the second one Astra Zeneca. My wife went today to the temple in the picture based on calling the number at the bottom of the page, they said just show up, which she did and got the vaccine, we waited thirty minutes only. Not a lot of the people there, and some farang. They will be operating tomorrow Wednesday if you want your wife to get jabbed. A doctor specialist in California said get the jab, it is better than nothing and has minimal side effects. As I was waiting they asked if I wanted the vaccine, but I explained I already got one in BKK. Good luck guys.

[thaijett]

I am >65, have registered with the thailandintervac.com webpage for Sriracha, as BPH was unavailable.

 

I had registered a few weeks ago too, but never received any reply, or appointment.

 

Previously I had registered with expatvac also, with no success.

 

Any constructive advice, experience, or information out there>

[Harry2]

Mainly of interest to those on Intervac AZ programme in BKK. I got a late evening SMS bringing my 2nd appointment forward 2 weeks. So maybe its now 10 weeks between shots not 12 weeks. Its a bit of a surprise and as well as being an earlier date its an earlier time - which is not so great coming from PTY. But life is life, & it means I am in the double vac's Mor Phrom/Green Card system 2 weeks earlier.

[Jingthing]

58 minutes ago, Harry2 said:

Mainly of interest to those on Intervac AZ programme in BKK. I got a late evening SMS bringing my 2nd appointment forward 2 weeks. So maybe its now 10 weeks between shots not 12 weeks. Its a bit of a surprise and as well as being an earlier date its an earlier time - which is not so great coming from PTY. But life is life, & it means I am in the double vac's Mor Phrom/Green Card system 2 weeks earlier.

Which hospital please?

Yes, that is definitely of interest to many people here.

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Which hospital please?

Yes, that is definitely of interest to many people here.

This is a really important question for me, too, for travel reasons. I looked back at Harry2's posts and he got his jab at Phyathai 2 Hospital. OK, @Harry2, please let us know your dates, Thanks very much.

[EVENKEEL]

Has anyone here who signed up on the 26th or 27th gotten an appointment for shot.

[Harry2]

10 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Which hospital please?

Yes, that is definitely of interest to many people here.

Yes I can confirm I am at Phyathai 2 Hospital. I will post a full report of the process & crucially what documentation I get at the end of it. Incidentally I had no notice until the Friday evening SMS & hadn't picked up anywhere that there had been a policy change for AZ from 12 to 10 weeks for the 2nd jab.

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, Harry2 said:

Yes I can confirm I am at Phyathai 2 Hospital. I will post a full report of the process & crucially what documentation I get at the end of it. Incidentally I had no notice until the Friday evening SMS & hadn't picked up anywhere that there had been a policy change for AZ from 12 to 10 weeks for the 2nd jab.

Thanks again for the heads up.

I'm unclear on the timing though. 

How close to the new appointment date was the SMS?

[Harry2]

22 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Thanks again for the heads up.

I'm unclear on the timing though. 

How close to the new appointment date was the SMS?

Jingthing, its a Monday appointment. So I have the WE to plan my trip, but if I had say a Wed appointment would that have meant I just get the SMS Tues evening - I don't know? It might be worth your while emailing the hospital & asking if there is a policy change & will it affect your appointment?

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

I probed Phyathai 2 Hospital as to whether I could have my 2nd jab moved up. Got a reply the same day (Aug. 28) saying they were reluctant to do so unless I had documents to prove necessity such as flight tickets or convention invitation.

 

Then I replied Sept. 2 with a simpler question. How will the hospital communicate with me should they change the jab date. Answer was via SMS or by phone. 

 

In both cases, a lady with the Phyathai 2 International Correspondence Centre was very prompt and professional. This is their email: [email protected]. 

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

3 hours ago, Harry2 said:

Yes I can confirm I am at Phyathai 2 Hospital. I will post a full report of the process & crucially what documentation I get at the end of it. Incidentally I had no notice until the Friday evening SMS & hadn't picked up anywhere that there had been a policy change for AZ from 12 to 10 weeks for the 2nd jab.

Thanks. When was the date of your first jab? My first shot was July 21 (2nd Oct. 13, 12 weeks later) but it looks like your first was in June maybe? Just trying to get a reading on when my 2nd one might come along. If it's a 10-week gap now, that would put me back into end of September. Which would be a great relief! 

[Harry2]

7 hours ago, Kaoboi Bebobp said:

Thanks. When was the date of your first jab? My first shot was July 21 (2nd Oct. 13, 12 weeks later) but it looks like your first was in June maybe? Just trying to get a reading on when my 2nd one might come along. If it's a 10-week gap now, that would put me back into end of September. Which would be a great relief! 

28 June, exactly 10 weeks before my second. I haven't seen any official announcement, maybe it is more of a random process. Best to ask them IMO.

[Harry2]

On 9/4/2021 at 8:47 PM, Harry2 said:

28 June, exactly 10 weeks before my second. I haven't seen any official announcement, maybe it is more of a random process. Best to ask them IMO.

Back from second AZ jab at Pyathai 2 on Monday. Same setup as 1st jab, but bigger queues, faster & more Thais. After my 30 mins wait I was given a printed vaccination certificate with the hospital stamp. It also had a QR code that when scanned opened a vaccination certificate page in my name on an official Thai Govt site. Not sure how this certification will go down internationally, but I can see how it will likely work domestically. Easy journey to BKK & I exited at 15.00 as I wanted to avoid any demos.

[LarrySR]

Got my first dose yesterday at Central Festival, Pattaya, 6th floor. 

Well over 1,000 people crammed in there waiting in various lines. Of course there was no social distancing with punters breathing down my neck for 4 hours. Not everyone properly wearing their masks. 

Probably the highest risk environment I've been exposed to since March 2020.

How many infected people were mingling with the crowd I wonder?

 

That said, feeling no side effects from the shot of AZ today.

[jacko45k]

1 hour ago, LarrySR said:

Got my first dose yesterday at Central Festival, Pattaya, 6th floor. 

Well over 1,000 people crammed in there waiting in various lines. Of course there was no social distancing with punters breathing down my neck for 4 hours. Not everyone properly wearing their masks. 

Probably the highest risk environment I've been exposed to since March 2020.

How many infected people were mingling with the crowd I wonder?

 

That said, feeling no side effects from the shot of AZ today.

I thought it was capped at 300. 

Bad form to have crowding like that.....

Got me a sore arm 1st day after, and some confusion second with a Pfizer jab.