The government plans to begin Thailand's national vaccine rollout from Feb 14, starting with healthcare and front-line workers, according to the Health Ministry.
As vaccine availability remains limited, target groups with higher infection risks will be administered the shots during the first of a three-phased rollout plan, Permanent Secretary of Public Health Kiattiphum Wongrajit said on Monday.
The government last week approved AstraZeneca Plc vaccines for emergency use, and is expected to receive 50,000 doses next month from the British-Swedish firm. Thailand is also in line to receive 200,000 doses from Sinovac Biotech Ltd, whose vaccine is expected to get the local drug regulator's nod in about three weeks.
The government aims to inoculate at least 50% of the population before the end of 2021. Other details of the inoculation programme are:
- In the second phase, from May to December, the vaccination programme will be expanded to all regions
- In the final phase, from January 2022 onward, there will be enough vaccines to distribute to the entire population to create herd immunity
- Vaccines will be provided free of charge and will not be compulsory, said Deputy Premier and Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul
- The government will launch a platform called 'Mor Prom' or 'Doctor's Ready' to facilitate its vaccination programme; users can make appointments for the shots and health authorities can monitor any adverse effects
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