The director of Vachira Phuket Hospital says there are still Covid-19 vaccines available to any locals or tourists in need of a booster dose.
According to a Phuket News report, Dr Weerasak Lorthongkam is urging those in need to come forward, as infections rise following the recent Songkran holiday.
“Vachira Phuket Hospital is ready to take care of people and tourists. We have vaccination services for citizens and tourists who need a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, especially those who received their last dose of vaccine more than 4 months ago.”
He adds that anyone in need of a vaccine can get one, with or without an appointment. Those who wish to book ahead can do so by calling 076-361234.
Meanwhile, he says the Ministry of Public Health is calling on the public to comply with 3 specific disease-prevention measures: get vaccinated, wear a mask in public, and take an antigen test if feeling unwell.
Dr Weerasak’s announcement on the availability of vaccines was shared by the state news agency, the National News Bureau of Thailand. However, the Phuket News points out that it has not been confirmed by Vachira Phuket Hospital or by any local officials, including the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office.
There has also been no information made public on the number of cases of the latest Covid sub-variant on the island. The Centre for Medical Genomics recently confirmed that around 52% of new cases in Thailand are XBB infections – a sub-strain of the Omicron variant.
Meanwhile, a sub-sub-strain of XBB, known as XBB1.15, is being blamed for a surge in cases around the world, with the World Health Organisation recently changing its classification from a “variant under monitoring” to a “variant of interest”.
XBB1.15 is responsible for around 34 current infections, or 15% of cases, in Thailand, and it’s expected to become the dominant sub-strain in the kingdom over the coming months.
SOURCE: The Phuket News
