Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health Free Influenza Vaccination Campaign for people in 7 at-risk groups on 1 May 2024 in preparation for monsoon season. This may increase the spread of the influenza virus A flu shot can be obtained at government health facilities. and private hospitals near your home participating in the National Health Care Scheme
Today (30 April 2024) Thailand's influenza situation was discussed by the Director General of the Department of Disease Control, Dr. Thongchai Kiratihathayakorn. In January 1 – April 29, 2024, there were 123,739 patients and 190.63 deaths per 100,000 people, which is 0.004 per 100,000 people aged 0-4 years, 5-14 years old (567.15) and 15-24 years old (164.88) compared to the situation in 2023. The number of patients is expected to start increasing in June. A large number of patients are diagnosed between August and November. It is the season of fever during monsoon. Because the weather has changed during this period. And entering the rainy season is influenza pandemic season. There is a vaccine to prevent this disease, which is recommended to be injected once a year before the outbreak season. It can help reduce the severity of the disease, especially in risk groups. Hospital stay and death from complications of influenza
This year the Ministry of Public Health, Department of Disease Control and National Health Protection Office (NHSO) is gearing up to provide Seasonal Influenza Vaccination services this year. In fiscal year 2024, 4.51 million doses, the vaccination campaign will begin from May 1 to August 31, 2024, or until the vaccine runs out. In this regard, all Thai citizens in 7 risk groups can receive influenza vaccination services by 2024, including: 1. Pregnant women, 4 months of pregnancy or more (provided year-round) 2. 6-year-old children up to 2 years 3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease disease, asthma, heart disease, kidney failure, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and diabetics 4. People over 65 years old with thalassemia and a weakened immune system (including symptomatic HIV patients) 6. Obesity (weighing more than 100 kilograms or having a body mass index of more than 35 kilograms per square meter) and 7. mentally retarded persons who cannot help themselves. In addition, vaccines are available for medical and public health workers who are at risk of exposure to the flu in the workplace.
Dr. Thongchai added: Annual flu vaccination is recommended by the World Health Organization. Because the influenza virus changes the circulating strains every year. People in at-risk groups should receive an annual influenza vaccine. Before the epidemic season, to reduce the severity of the disease and reduce the risk of death from complications. Therefore, we would like to invite people in this risk group. Anti-influenza vaccine is available free of cost in government hospitals. And you can call private hospitals near your home participating in the National Health Care Scheme and make an early appointment with the At-Risk Population Service Unit for convenience. We request people's cooperation to know the exact service date and time, while strictly following disease prevention measures. Emphasize wearing a mask, keeping distance and washing hands frequently to prevent the flu. For more information, call the Department of Disease Control's hotline at 1422.
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Information: Division of Epidemiology/Office of Risk Communication, Department of Disease Control
April 30, 2024
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