COVID-19 remains a serious threat to 608 groups at risk in Thailand The government recommends that the government support vaccination with increased doses equally and precisely.

After the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the end of the global public health emergency of COVID-19. This is consistent with Thailand announcing fines for dangerous infectious diseases. It is an infectious disease that needs to be monitored and managed as an endemic disease. As a result, the COVID-19 vaccine is used not in a state of emergency. There is also no widespread distribution of free vaccines, and the WHO still recommends that 608 groups at risk receive a vaccinate every year. Because they are a group at risk of becoming very ill and dying if infected, when free COVID-19 vaccine is not available in Thailand, causing high-risk groups to increase the cost of the vaccine to protect themselves.

Infectious disease situation COVID-19 Risk to vulnerable patient groups

Data from the Department of Epidemiology shows that from the beginning of 2024 to September 16, 2024, more than 700,000 people are infected in Thailand, which required more than 48,000 to be admitted to the hospital.
and 205 deaths, considered the highest number of infections and deaths in Southeast Asia, with more than 80-90 percent of those who died from COVID-19 classified as at-risk groups, 608 including people aged 60 years and older 7 groups of chronic diseases, including chronic respiratory disease, heart disease and blood vessels. chronic kidney failure, stroke, cancer, diabetes and obesity including pregnant women

Professor Phirun Mutsikaphan, President of the Infectious Diseases Society of Thailand, provided information “for group 608, when they are sick with COVID-19 They have a 2 to 3 times higher risk of serious illness and a 2 to 10 risk of death times higher compared to young people or those without co-morbidities. It also affects the state of the disease that the patient is suffering from. Because covid-19 is not just a respiratory disease. But the disease can spread throughout the body. Causes problems for various organ systems such as blood clots. Myocarditis, heart failure, and kidney failure increase the risk of death. “

Responsibility for costs This means life and safety for vulnerable patients.

Recently, groups of high-risk patients such as the SLE Foundation, Friends of Kidney Diseases, the Diabetes Club, the Cancer Patients’ Club and the Rheumatoid Society are recognizing the importance of building immunity and preventing on the disease of COVID-19 in Group 608, they have submitted a complaint to the Ministry of Public Health. Ask the government to support the Covid vaccine boost plan. For vulnerable patients Group of rare diseases and chronic non-communicable diseases with the Chief of Staff Dr. Thanakrit Jitaree, Advisor to the Minister assigned by Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health The person who received the case on September 26, 2024.

Mr. Thanaphon Dokkaew from the Citizen Network for Health Rights, the patient group Healthy Forum, and the Kidney Disease Friends Association in Thailand comment that the government sector should focus on health promotion and prevention of COVID-19. with increased vaccination Especially for groups of people with chronic diseases and people at risk. “Most patient groups have been cautious ever since the onset of COVID-19. But protect yourself with the vaccine It is beyond our abilities. Therefore, I would like to appeal to those who have relevant responsibilities to help consider and provide enough vaccines to the people. Even though the vaccine may not be necessary for some people, But people with chronic diseases and people at risk are still needed. “

Representatives from the Royal College of Physicians in Thailand Professor Dr. Sisiopin Kiattiburanakul said, “Covid-19 continues. causing people who have been vaccinated or have had the disease for a long time Existing immunity may not protect against disease. Especially in risk groups Therefore, the vaccination must be increased. Current data show that the effectiveness of the booster vaccine in preventing serious illness and death is about 60-70%, and if the risk is considered several times greater in patients in groups high risk, This shows the importance of vaccines in reducing the burden of disease in this patient group.”

The world continues to recommend that people at risk receive an increased dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Currently, countries around the world, including those in Asia such as Taiwan and Singapore, are still recommending that people, especially in high-risk groups, get the COVID vaccine shot. . In Singapore, vaccinations are given to high-risk populations. Including the elderly and people with chronic diseases, they will receive free injections to prevent diseases. along with reducing the rate of hospital admissions For the United States and countries in Europe Including England COVID-19 vaccines have been obtained. for people who are at risk Recently, it has been recommended to get a booster vaccination. If you received the last dose or have been infected for a long time
3 months, with the government providing the injections for free

for Thailand Although there is currently no policy to get vaccines for vulnerable groups of people to get free photos. But medical staff groups such as the Infectious Diseases Society of Thailand and the Royal College of Physicians have issued Covid vaccine recommendations to the 608 group, recommending increased views. Especially if the previous vaccination was more than 1 year ago or if the last infection was more than 3-6 months.

National security is public security.

Vaccines are still a very effective option for immunizing vulnerable groups. both the prevention of serious illness and the price that must be paid compared to treatment in
Hospitals Currently, the shortage of medical personnel continues to be a challenge for Thailand’s public health system. At the same time, public health budgets continue to increase. So vaccines are very important for protection. To reduce the burden on the public health system If there is an increase in the number of patients requiring admission

From data from the past year It was found that there were two periods of large outbreaks: the Songkran festival and at the end of the year when there were large gatherings of people in different places and more travel. That can be predicted from the end of this year to the beginning of next year. it will find more patients and it can increase more than last year Since most people have been away from getting the booster vaccine for more than a year, it is a concern for organizations vulnerable patients to be affected by this outbreak. This causes the patient’s symptoms to become severe. And there is an inevitable danger to your life.