NHSO seeks funds for additional flu vaccine doses amid rising Covid-19 cases

by Mitch Connor

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) plans to purchase an additional 860,000 influenza vaccine doses, increasing the stockpile to 5.26 million doses to protect vulnerable groups.

To expand people’s access to the vaccine, the NHSO is requesting a budget of 105.2 million baht for the supplementary 860,000 doses, according to Secretary-General Jadet Thammathat-aree. Referring to individuals over 60 years old and those with eight underlying health conditions, he said…

“The demand for flu vaccines among the at-risk ‘608’ group is higher than for other groups, following the rise in Covid-19 cases after the Songkran Festival and heightened public awareness of influenza immunisation.”

A service fee of 20 baht per person will be charged for those receiving a flu shot.

The NHSO is also preparing to administer Covid vaccinations alongside the influenza vaccine, particularly for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

Anutin Charnvirakul, the interim Minister of Public Health, pointed out that the daily Covid caseload is rising as Thailand enters the rainy season, which coincides with flu season.

On April 20, the Ministry of Public Health advised people, especially those in the ‘608’ groups and pregnant women, to get a Covid booster shot as well as an influenza vaccine to prevent severe symptoms.

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/nhso-seeks-funds-for-additional-flu-vaccine-doses-amid-rising-covid-19-cases

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