Walk-In Vaccinations Available For Vulnerable Groups

Walk-in vaccinations available for vulnerable groups

Ever since the Songkran holidays, Thailand’s daily Covid-19 cases have been rapidly increasing. The rising numbers could be attributed to the virus’ ability to adapt and mutate, as well as other factors.

The nation logged 13,655 new cases today, 22nd July 2021. To mitigate the situation, vulnerable groups are encouraged to use walk-in vaccination services at Bang Sue Grand Station.

Below are the details surrounding the new initiative.

Our up-to-date Covid-19 pieces:

Walk-in vaccinations at Bang Sue Grand Station

Starting on 22nd July 2021, vulnerable groups can head over to Bang Sue Grand Station for walk-in vaccination services from 9AM-5PM until 31st July 2021. The Medical Services Department says that inoculating these groups will prevent severe symptoms and further deaths, according to Bangkok Post.

The services will be available to priority group listed here:

Residents over 60 hears of age
Pregnant women (12 weeks and over)
Thai residents who weigh over 100 KG

Though, elderly residents wishing to receive their vaccinations elsewhere will still have to make their appointments through the Thai Ruam Jai platform.

The programme was initiated as Thailand records over 13,000 cases on 22nd July 2021.

Back in June, motorcycle taxi drivers, other underprivileged groups, and the elderly were a high priority group who received walk-in vaccination services.

Antigen rapid tests approved by FDA

While vaccinations are in high-demand, so are Covid-19 tests. As hospitals are quickly filling up, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four antigen rapid Covid-19 tests that can be done at home.

The approved tests are listed below:

Standard Q Covid-19 Ag Home Test by SD Biosensor Inc
SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self Test Nasal by SD Biosensor Inc
SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Kit (GICA) by Shenzhen Kisshealth Biotechnology
SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kit (Golloidal Dol Immunochromatography) by Beijing Lepu Medical Technology

Image credit: NNT- National News Bureau of Thailand

These will be sold at hospitals, clinics, pharmacies as well as other FDA-approved establishments, as was previously announced by the Ministry of Public Health on 12th July 2021.

However, residents are advised not to purchase kits from non-approved vendors as they could receive compromised products, asserted Dr. Paisarn Dunkum, FDA Secretary-General, as reported by the National News Bureau of Thailand.

Protecting ourselves from Covid-19

With the Covid-19 situation escalating, it’s more than necessary to protect ourselves from the virus by sticking to safety measures and practising self-hygiene. It’s also crucial that we maintain a healthy lifestyle by reinforcing habits like getting enough rest, and consuming thoroughly-cooked food.

This will not only keep us safe, but also those around us – including these vulnerable groups as well as healthcare workers – safe.

Cover image adapted from: @parinyajune (Left), @zazifireart (Right)

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