I called the Red Cross Clinic (on Rama 4 in BKK) today and asked about the regular influenza (flu) vaccine.

Usually I go there and get the southern hemisphere flu immunization in May/June.

Then I go again in Sept/Oct to get the northern hemisphere immunization.

This time, the clinic claims that this year there is no northern formulation and that there is just one formulation

for both north and south.

I've never encountered this before? Does this seem right?

What I received several weeks ago at Vejthani was clearly marked as Southern. As H1N1 was a priority this year expect the same formula might have been used for both.

The same as per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza_vaccine#2010_Southern_Hemisphere_winter_season

2010 Southern Hemisphere winter season

an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus;

an A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus;

a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.[152][153]

The H1N1 strain used in this composition is the same strain used in the 2009 flu pandemic vaccine.[154]

2010-2011 Northern Hemisphere winter season

The composition of virus vaccines for use in the 2010-2011 Northern Hemisphere influenza season recommended by the World Health Organization on February 18, 2010 was:

an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus;

an A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus;

a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.[155]

The H1N1 strain used in this composition is the same strain used in the 2009 flu pandemic vaccine.[154]

The same as per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza_vaccine#2010_Southern_Hemisphere_winter_season

2010 Southern Hemisphere winter season

an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus;

an A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus;

a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.[152][153]

The H1N1 strain used in this composition is the same strain used in the 2009 flu pandemic vaccine.[154]

2010-2011 Northern Hemisphere winter season

The composition of virus vaccines for use in the 2010-2011 Northern Hemisphere influenza season recommended by the World Health Organization on February 18, 2010 was:

an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus;

an A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus;

a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.[155]

The H1N1 strain used in this composition is the same strain used in the 2009 flu pandemic vaccine.[154]

Thanks!

I'm in Bangkok and need to get a flu shot before heading to the Middle East. Where is the best/quickest place to go that will give me an english shot record and low cost?

Thanks

Vaccination Clinic

On the occasion of the 85th anniversary of Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Thai Red Cross Society established the Immunization and Travel Clinic to provide vaccination for those health conscious as well as travelers. The services include blood test for immunity, counseling on pre-travel health preparation and post-travel healthcare. Available vaccinations include the following: - Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine - Hepatitis A vaccine - Hepatitis B vaccine - Typhoid vaccine - Japanese encephalitis vaccine(GPO) - Yellow fever vaccine - Diphtheria-tetanus (TD) vaccine - Tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine - Oral polio vaccine - Polio vaccine (injection) - Influenza vaccine - Rabies vaccine - Mumps,measles,rubella vaccine(MMR) - Varicella vaccine - Miningococcal vaccine - Oral cholera vaccine - Pneumococcal Disease - Oral polio vaccine Those vaccinated will receive a yellow book to record their history of vaccinations. For further information, please contact Tel. 0-2252-0161-4 ext. 132

Thai Red Cross - believe it is adjacent to Chula Hospital on Rama IV Road.

As said, this year there is no regular flu vaccine. All versions contain the H1N1 virus strain plus two others per the WHO recommendations. BHP charged me, I think it has, 600 baht for the flu shot.

Edited September 30, 201015 yr by InterestedObserver

That is the regular flu vaccine this year - the only oddity is that both hemisphere versions are exactly the same.

Will I need to make an appointment to get a flu shot? Are there any walk-in locations where I can just pay the money, get the shot and be on my way???

You don't need to make an appointment at most places in Thailand; including hospitals. I suspect the Red Cross on Rama IV is set up for on demand service and will have a fair price. I use my normal hospital.

http://english.redcross.or.th/contact