MOPH invites 7 risk groups, pregnant women, young children, people with chronic diseases, the elderly, people with impaired immune systems, obesity, mentally handicapped people. Free influenza vaccination starts from 1 May – 31 August.
Today (29 April 2022), Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong Director-General of the Department of Disease Control said that Thailand is entering an endemic stage. May see more influenza patients. Because during this period the weather changes hot and rainy. and will enter the rainy season that is the season of the influenza epidemic This disease is a respiratory infection like COVID-19 and there is a vaccine to prevent it. It will be injected once a year.
Influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 outbreak will not only reduce the severity of morbidity and mortality from influenza complications. It also reduces the increased risk of death from both infections and reduces the hospitalization rate of influenza patients.
Influenza vaccination campaign for 7 risk groups
for this year’s seasonal influenza vaccination The Department of Disease Control has worked with the National Health Security Office. The vaccination campaign will begin between May 1 and August 31, 2022 in people in 7 risk groups, namely 1. Pregnant women, gestational age 4 months or more (services throughout the year) 2. Children 6 years old. Month to 2 years 3. People with chronic diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and diabetes 4. Elderly people 65 years and over 5. People with Thalassemia Siemens and immunocompromised people (including symptomatic HIV infected) 6. Obesity (weight greater than 100 kg or BMI greater than 35 kg per square meter) and 7. Persons with mental disabilities who cannot help themselves. In addition, vaccines have been prepared for personnel. medical and public health at risk of exposure to influenza as well
Dr. Opas said that vaccination against influenza is still necessary. Even though the COVID-19 vaccine has been vaccinated since it is a different virus People should get both vaccines. Influenza vaccination can be given along with the COVID-19 vaccine. It is recommended that the injection be given to each arm. especially people at risk To reduce the severity of the disease and reduce the risk of death from complications.
In this regard, we invite people in such at-risk groups to Get the flu vaccine free of charge. at a public health facility near your home and private hospitals participating in the National Health Security Scheme as well as asking for people’s cooperation to strictly follow disease prevention measures Emphasis on wearing a mask, keeping distance, washing your hands often to prevent influenza as well as preventing COVID-19. For inquiries, call 1422.