Thailand begins massive vaccination drive despite shortages, concerns

[ABCbangkok]

Just had required COIVD test in order to fly.  The attending Thai doctor (at major Thai hospital) told us that many hospitals only have vaccines for 1 week. That there will be no choice to delay appointments made for vaccines. She was quite frustrated by the situation.
 

She didn’t think foreigners would see vaccines any time soon.

 

 

[atpeace]

7 minutes ago, ICELANDMAN said:

 

You are completely out of context with my decision which is in accordance with information from virological specialists who I consider to be outside the big interests of Big Pharma and which are more reliable with regards to my decision which is only personal.

 

Not sure what you are getting at?  I could be out of context.  What decision are you referring to that is in accordance with information from virological...?  Thanks

[sandyf]

4 hours ago, fondue zoo said:

It's not just about the first jab, they need to be planning for the rolling 12 week (AstraZeneca) or 5 week (Sinovac) second jab at the same time.

It is 16 weeks for 2nd jab of AZ and that is fact.

I had first this morning and second is due 27th Sept.

[atpeace]

5 minutes ago, ABCbangkok said:

Just had required COIVD test in order to fly.  The attending Thai doctor (at major Thai hospital) told us that many hospitals only have vaccines for 1 week. That there will be no choice to delay appointments made for vaccines. She was quite frustrated by the situation.
 

She didn’t think foreigners would see vaccines any time soon.

 

 

That is more than I thought they had.  Does she understand there will be future shipments?  Seriously, can anybody chime in that was denied because they were not Thai?  My guess would be many but not sure.  

[atpeace]

2 minutes ago, sandyf said:

It is 16 weeks for 2nd jab of AZ and that is fact.

I had first this morning and second is due 27th Sept.

From what I've read, one shot of AZ reduces the chance of death to basically 0%.  Surely more complicated than that but...

[mahtin]

5 minutes ago, atpeace said:

That is more than I thought they had.  Does she understand there will be future shipments?  Seriously, can anybody chime in that was denied because they were not Thai?  My guess would be many but not sure.  

https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1219704-expats-over-60-urged-to-register-for-vaccine-on-thai-govt-site/page/2/#elControls_16543962_menu

 

[friendofthai]

Let's thank China for making this possible. Thanks to the uninterrupted supply of the highly effective Sinovac vaccine, Thailand has accumulated enough vaccine to start mass vaccinations.

[ICELANDMAN]

5 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Not sure what you are getting at?  I could be out of context.  What decision are you referring to that is in accordance with information from virological...?  Thanks

 

6 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Not sure what you are getting at?  I could be out of context.  What decision are you referring to that is in accordance with information from virological...?  Thanks

 

I have already been treated as conspiracy theorist for one member a TV so I don't want to repeat the experience, I'm sorry but if you want to search on the internet and extrapolate the true from the false (which is not easy) but analyzing only what the real specialists virology publicly declare I suggest you do it and I would be surprised at the results.

 

[atpeace]

2 minutes ago, ICELANDMAN said:

 

 

I have already been treated as conspiracy theorist for one member a TV so I don't want to repeat the experience, I'm sorry but if you want to search on the internet and extrapolate the true from the false (which is not easy) but analyzing only what the real specialists virology publicly declare I suggest you do it and I would be surprised at the results.

 

OK, I will - Thanks.

[friendofthai]

Looks like there will be very little amounts of western vaccines there. Why? This is the explanation - 
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-china-are-beating-u-s-vaccine-diplomacy-experts-say-n1262742

[Gandtee]

My wife has just been informed by the Director of the hospital that holds my records that there is no movement, even for Thais, as the vaccines have been directed to cluster zones. Is this regarded as a cluster f****?????

[sandyf]

2 hours ago, Peterw42 said:

Happy to report just back from a 10 am mor prom appointment, all dosed up with AZ vaccine. A really professional operation, original booking made on line app with pink ID, 

From arrival in the carpark to getting the jab took 20 mins, pink card etc processed just the same as Thais.

I went to Bang Saen hospital this morning for a 9am appointment, all went well but not quite as quick as you. The venue wasn't really suited, although they made the best of it, and they had obviously started well before 9. It was on the 5th floor and you had to use the lift, first hurdle. On coming out of the lift there were 3 check in desks with a guy telling people where to go but many ignored him causing a bit of chaos. I was very fortunate to have used Mor Phrom, no queue at that desk, got checked in and straight through to the next stage. Must have been best part of 100 at each of the other desks.

Second desk was an ID check against details on the computer and then on to the screening area before getting stamped for entry to the main waiting area, about 20 minutes from arrival. My number was 254 and they were calling 90 when I went in but only about 45 minutes till number called. After about 20 minutes in the waiting room a guy sat beside me and I could see his number was 4 hundred and 90 something.

After the jab I had to go to another waiting area for 30 minutes, you were given an exit time and had to have blood pressure check and temperature before being allowed to leave, saw some being told to wait a bit longer.

All in all, about 2 hours from arriving in carpark till leaving.

[sandyf]

2 hours ago, Lemonltr said:

No jabs in hospitals because both the hospital and people don't want to as its risky for both sides.

Why do people feel the compulsion to spread false information.

[ronaldo0]

1 hour ago, RichardColeman said:

Disagree - it's more like entering the race in a yacht called 'High Hopes' and it sinking on day one.

Titanic ! ????

[fondue zoo]

28 minutes ago, atpeace said:

From what I've read, one shot of AZ reduces the chance of death to basically 0%.  Surely more complicated than that but...

The first AZ jab most definitely begins protecting you with antibody production after 12-14 days.

The second shot prevents a decline in antibodies and triggers an increase in T cell activity, the cells that identify the virus long term.

 

Due to the the lack of data it's not certain how long any of the vaccines will provide protection.

They've all been fast tracked under emergency use guidelines, most vaccines will take 5-12 years from formulation to public use under a lot of oversight.

 

[atpeace]

1 minute ago, fondue zoo said:

The first AZ jab most definitely begins protecting you with antibody production after 12-14 days.

The second shot prevents a decline in antibodies and triggers an increase in T cell activity, the cells that identify the virus long term.

 

Due to the the lack of data it's not certain how long any of the vaccines will provide protection.

They've all been fast tracked under emergency use guidelines, most vaccines will take 5-12 years from formulation to public use under a lot of oversight.

 

Agree, also think I understated the morbidity odds.  I read the below article and am even more confused.  

 

United Kingdom One AZ COVID-19 vaccine dose gives 80% lower death risk - English data

 

80% of the population as a whole? 80% of those that got Covid after the shot.  I have no idea.

[herfiehandbag]

56 minutes ago, atpeace said:

That is more than I thought they had.  Does she understand there will be future shipments?  Seriously, can anybody chime in that was denied because they were not Thai?  My guess would be many but not sure.  

I was denied this morning.

There is a big walk in registration and vaccination facility operating in Big C Chiang Rai. Good oh I thought, let us give it a try!

No foreigners.

I live here.

No foreigners - come back maybe in 14 days!

[atpeace]

13 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

I was denied this morning.

There is a big walk in registration and vaccination facility operating in Big C Chiang Rai. Good oh I thought, let us give it a try!

No foreigners.

I live here.

No foreigners - come back maybe in 14 days!

ouch, well that sucks.  I bet you would be cool with 14 days though. Not saying it will happen - just saying...

 

Edited June 7, 2021 by atpeace

[Clarkey611]

34 minutes ago, ronaldo0 said:

Titanic ! ????

I believe that Titanic survived until Day 3.

[ph0enixrising]

My work's HR signed registered all the expats last week, along with helping all the other staff. 

We went this morning... no problems at all.  We had been told AZ for those over 60 and Sinovac for those under... When we arrived, we were told only AZ, so everyone to be given the same.

They were cranking through hundreds of people per hour (dozens of nurses present administering).  About 2 hours total time from arrival (including the 30 minute observation at the end).  I would say several thousand people vaccinated at the 1 location today. 

Edited June 7, 2021 by ph0enixrising

[ph0enixrising]

1 hour ago, sandyf said:

It is 16 weeks for 2nd jab of AZ and that is fact.

I had first this morning and second is due 27th Sept.

Same here

[RocketDog]

9 hours ago, BestB said:

I am confused, how do you begin mass vaccination without the vaccine on hand?

I could tell you but would have to then kill you.

Just consider it magic.

 

In any case, the gov has the situation under control as a constant barrage of announcements has clearly shown.

[snoop1130]

Thailand starts long awaited COVID-19 vaccination drive

 

People wait to receive the first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as Thailand start a mass inoculation at a gymnasium inside the Siam paragon Shopping center, Bangkok, Thailand June 7, 2021. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand kicked off a long-awaited mass vaccination campaign on Monday as the country battles its third and worst wave of the coronavirus epidemic.

 

The government aims to administer 6 million doses this month, hoping to ease worries over the highly anticipated roll-out and concerns about supply shortages.

 

"The government will ensure that everyone is vaccinated," Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said in televised comments after he visited an inoculation centre in Bangkok.

 

There were, however, early hiccups as some vaccine centres registered more than their quota, leading to postponements, senior health official Opas Karnkawinpong told a news conference.

 

"We apologise if your vaccination appointment was postponed, but will make sure you are registered at the earliest," Opas said.

 

Hospitals last week delayed vaccinations for nearly 40,000 people, citing a limited supply.

 

Thailand escaped the worst of the coronavirus pandemic as it hit other countries hard last year, but is now grappling with its deadliest outbreak. Officials have scrambled to source more vaccines amid the third wave, which so far accounts for more than 80% of its 179,886 total infections and 1,269 fatalities.

 

Authorities on Monday said 235 cases of the B.1.617.2 variant, which ravaged India, had spread to nine provinces since it was first detected in Bangkok last month.

 

The outbreaks has highlighted criticisms of the country's vaccine programme for an over-reliance on AstraZeneca shots produced by royal-owned Siam Bioscience, a slow roll-out and a confusing registration system.

 

On Monday morning, 986 vaccination centres reported a total of 143,116 people received shots. That adds to 2.8 million people deemed vulnerable, including frontline health and transport workers.

 

"My feeling is that no matter what, we will need to go outside of home for the littlest things, so getting the vaccine gives us a sense of relief," said Praepawee Lertpongkijja, 38, at a Bangkok vaccination centre.

 

VACCINE SUPPLIES

 

The 6 million doses to be administered this month will be a mix of AstraZeneca and imported Sinovac vaccines.

 

Concerns were raised last week over local production of the AstraZeneca vaccine by Siam Bioscience's after the Philippines said its order had been reduced and delayed.

 

The health ministry on Monday said it will receive an additional 3.42 million doses from AstraZeneca after mid-June said, did not specify how much would be locally made.

 

It received 1.8 million locally-produced AstraZeneca shots on Friday. Another 200,000 doses from South Korea, a health ministry source told Reuters.

 

The country expects to sign contracts this week for 20 million shots of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and five million doses from Johnson & Johnson

 

Private hospitals will offer two shots of the Moderna vaccine for 3,800 baht ($121.91) after October, an industry group said, adding 10 million doses had been ordered.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2021-06-07

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

[atpeace]

2 hours ago, ph0enixrising said:

My work's HR signed registered all the expats last week, along with helping all the other staff. 

We went this morning... no problems at all.  We had been told AZ for those over 60 and Sinovac for those under... When we arrived, we were told only AZ, so everyone to be given the same.

They were cranking through hundreds of people per hour (dozens of nurses present administering).  About 2 hours total time from arrival (including the 30 minute observation at the end).  I would say several thousand people vaccinated at the 1 location today. 

My ex told me the same.  She easily signed them up weeks ago and they got the shot.  

 

I think going alone without a Thai assistant is much more difficult.  In stead of working through language and other issues to get you in the system, it is much easier to tell a foreigner no Farangs or tell them to come back at a later date.

Edited June 7, 2021 by atpeace

[mtls2005]

4 hours ago, mtls2005 said:

Still hoping for 250,000.

 

Saw 306,580 doses administered today, per Matichon.

 

Amazing.

 

Well done.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 7, 2021 by mtls2005

[atpeace]

22 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

 

Saw 306,580 doses administered today, per Matichon.

 

Amazing.

 

Well done.

 

 

 

 

 

Risky post! The Thais are incompetent crowd is going to crucify you.  Wouldn't want to be you!

[Jeffr2]

20 hours ago, friendofthai said:

Looks like there will be very little amounts of western vaccines there. Why? This is the explanation - 
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-china-are-beating-u-s-vaccine-diplomacy-experts-say-n1262742

There will be very little amounts of Western vaccines here because Thailand didn't order them!  Russia and China used them to exert influence around the world.  The UK and the US didn't take that approach. 

 

The Russian jab would be great if they'd just release all the clinical trial data.  Which they haven't.  The Chinese jab is not very good...

[chalawaan]

Meanwhile Washington State is offereing free cannabis joints for getting a vaccince, as are Arizona, and I believe some other States, including WA are also offering free beer/cocktails.

 

We need to dump the ultra-conservative religious dinosaurs here ASAP.

[Tanoshi]

12 minutes ago, Jeffr2 said:

The Chinese jab is not very good...

Worked so far for the 1.4 billion Chinese population.

91,267 Total cases, 86,228 recovered, 4,636 deaths.

Template:COVID-19 pandemic data - Wikipedia

[Jeffr2]

4 minutes ago, Tanoshi said:

Worked so far for the 1.4 billion Chinese population.

91,267 Total cases, 86,228 recovered, 4,636 deaths.

Template:COVID-19 pandemic data - Wikipedia

Yes, China has done a great job dealing with the virus they let loose.  Done with draconian lock downs, etc.  But, it kinda worked.  Even though they just did a massive lock down last week.

 

I was referring to the effectiveness of the jab.