Check it out! Who are the 7 risk groups? From 1 May. July This is it. Free influenza vaccination.

NHSO clarifies service units across the country asking for cooperation in vaccinating 4.2 million doses of influenza for free, starting on May 1

Today (27 Apr. 65) Dr. Chakkrit Ngowsiri, MD. Deputy Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) presided over the opening of the meeting to explain the guidelines for seasonal influenza vaccines for the year 2022 to representatives of service units across the country and interested people via Facebook Live, the Health Security Office. national This is for the implementation of the seasonal influenza vaccination service in a consistent manner and to achieve the set goals.

Dr. Chakkrit said that the benefits of seasonal influenza vaccine service Under the National Health Security Fund NHSO and the Department of Disease Control has continued to provide services for more than 10 years and in 2022 we continue to work to take care of the people Set a service target of 4.2 million doses (excluding pregnant women who receive 200,000 doses of influenza vaccine throughout the year) and accelerate campaigns to provide injection services during the first 3 months, which are: From May 1 – July 31, 2022 will focus on risk groups 608.

The Department of Disease Control confirmed that Influenza vaccination coupled with vaccination against COVID-19 Can be injected at the same time without any side effects Must request cooperation from the service unit to join the service. to reduce the rate of severe illness and death from complications of influenza

On the side, Dr. Chaninan Sonthichai, Head of Basic Vaccine Development Group Vaccine Prevention Division, Department of Disease Control, said that the pre-Covid-19 influenza epidemic, patients and deaths are likely to increase. But during the Covid-19 situation Morbidity and mortality from influenza has decreased. As a result of the campaign, preventive measures have reduced the spread of influenza as well. However, I would like to emphasize that those at risk still need to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza. Because now there has been a relaxation measures and may result in the return of influenza epidemic. Therefore, it is necessary to expedite public relations for those at risk groups to receive influenza vaccination as soon as possible.

“The purpose of the seasonal influenza vaccine is to reduce morbidity and mortality. including complications from influenza in high-risk groups At the same time, it can reduce the number of days spent in the hospital for patients. This year, the seasonal influenza vaccine service covers three strains (an A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus, an A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2)-like virus; and a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus.), which the World Health Organization recommends to be injected together with the COVID-19 vaccine by giving it to the arm on each side,” said Dr. Chaninan. say

On the side, Dr. Satit Timkham, director of the mission group to support access to primary care and health promotion, said that the influenza vaccination service in 2022 is different from last year. The NHSO has canceled the requirement for service units to open a reservation system for vaccination (Slot), but it depends on the voluntary and availability of service units. Service units that do not have a vaccine reservation system will provide a walk-in service, whoever comes first is entitled to receive the service first (First come – Frist serve).

Except for Bangkok, where the system is still open for reservations for influenza vaccinations in advance By registering through the app “Bao Tang” as in the past year. In cooperation with Krung Thai Bank and this year, there is also a message warning for influenza vaccination services. To those who are at risk through the app “Bao Tang” and check the nearby service units through this app. They may call the service unit before receiving the service.

In addition, in the segment of the target group receiving services this year the Department of Disease Control From last year, the Department of Disease Control has expanded to 3 additional target groups, namely personnel groups or those who perform duties to provide services to patients with COVID-19. Groups located at places where there is a large gathering of people at risk of outbreaks. and other risk groups Depending on the situation, this year, the NHSO has canceled these 3 groups of vaccine services, requiring only people from 7 at risk groups. However, in the year 2022, the number of people in 7 risk groups is 11,555,334 people, of which the influenza vaccine is allocated by the NHSO to provide services of 4.2 million doses, or at 36.35 percent of the target group only. Therefore, ask the service unit to select people who are at high risk groups, such as those with chronic diseases. immunocompromised people Thalassemia patients, etc., receive vaccination services before

“influenza vaccination campaign Will start from 1 May – 31 August 2022 which is the change of seasons before the epidemic Currently, the Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) has started distributing the flu vaccine. to the service unit If any service units are ready, they can provide services right away,” said Dr. Satit.

Target groups of people in 7 groups at risk for receiving influenza vaccine services are:

1) Pregnant women, gestational age 4 months or more (services throughout the year)

2) All children 6 months to 2 years old

3) People with chronic diseases as follows: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and diabetes.

4) Persons over 65 years of age

5) Thalassemia and immunocompromised (including symptomatic HIV-infected people)

6) Obesity (weight > 100 kg or BMI > 35 kg/m2)

7) People with cerebral palsy who cannot help themselves

For more information, please contact NHSO hotline 1330 or online channels, including Line NHSO, Line ID @nhso or click https://lin.ee/zzn3pU6 and Facebook: National Health Security Office. https://www.facebook.com/NHSO.Thailand

Image from TNN Online.