As Ministers Get 4th Jabs, 20 Million Thais Yet to Receive 1 Covid-19 Vaccine Dose. Thailand has sped up its Covid-19 vaccination drive to reach its goal of 100 million doses administered by the end of November, even though that goal means less and less with every booster. Bangkok Herald

As Ministers Get 4th Jabs, 20 Million Thais Yet to Receive 1 Covid-19 Vaccine Dose

22 November 2021

Thailand has sped up its Covid-19 vaccination drive to reach its goal of 100 million doses administered by the end of November, even though that goal means less and less with every booster.

When first announced early this year, the intent was to fully immunize 50 million people by administering 100 million doses by the end of 2021.

Since then, the country has rolled out third and even fourth doses to the same people, mostly in Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi and islands popular with tourists. All the time, many Thais in poor rural areas have yet to get even a second dose.

The result has been the government can claim victory for the gross number of doses administered, but failed again to meet its obligation to fully vaccinate the entire willing population.

As of Sunday, more than 20 million Thais had yet to receive a single dose. The government claims 59 percent of the country is fully vaccinated.

Prime Minister's Office spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said the Public Health Ministry and other agencies have taken steps to accelerate vaccine uptake.

As an example, the ministry will be holding a "vaccination week" from Nov. 27-Dec. 5 while proactive vaccination teams will be sent out to improve vaccine access for the elderly, bedridden patients and migrant workers.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation as well as universities and medical schools are conveying vaccine information to the public.

Provincial governors are working to bring unvaccinated members of target groups to receive the shots by using incentives such as prizes and handouts.

The business sector is also holding incentive campaigns that provide discounts or souvenirs to people who are able to present evidence of vaccination.

Thanakorn said the collaboration being had from all sectors will enable Thailand to achieve the target of administering 100 million doses by the end of this month.

He added that being able to present evidence of having received at least one dose of vaccine will benefit individuals when they carry out outdoor activities.

He called for everybody, especially senior citizens and people with chronic diseases, to come forth and get vaccinated.

The National News Bureau of Thailand contributed to this report.