The results of the survey revealed: 1 in 3 Thai people still want to get the “Covid-19 Vaccine” if it is available for free!

20 August 2024 – One Health University Network in Thailand or THOHUN (Thailand One Health University Network) Revealing the results of a survey of Thai people’s views on the COVID-19 vaccine, it was found that more than 1 in 3 people still want to get the vaccine. If there is a free service And most people still see that It is also necessary to get vaccines for medical workers and groups at risk 608 to prepare for an outbreak. or diseases that tend to be more dangerous with factors that make people vaccinate It comes from concerns about side effects and vaccine effectiveness. The academics suggested that In the middle of a situation where we still have to hold out for the spread of the disease. Communication to build confidence with the public on an ongoing basis regarding the importance and safety of vaccination remains essential.

The results of the survey on the topic “Knowledge, understanding, access to information and factors affecting the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine by the public and the 608 group,” which examined the opinions of the public population and medical staff across the country. of 550 people aged 15 years and over through online questionnaires and interviews. Epidemic behavior and groups at risk In addition, most people still follow news such as the situation and severity of the current epidemic. changing virus strains By choosing to receive information from the Ministry of Public Health and some follow information from famous people

For issues regarding the COVID-19 vaccine More than one in three (39%) expressed their desire to receive the vaccine. If it was given free to the public and only 14% would want to get the vaccine. If there is a cost and the majority saw that there is still a need to give vaccines to frontline workers and vulnerable groups. prepare for the onset of new infections or re-emergence of infections that are likely to become more severe, with 74% agreeing that medical workers should still be vaccinated, and around 60% agreeing that older people the 65 years and those with chronic diseases This is a group that should also receive the vaccine. This reflects the demand for COVID-19 vaccines. and providing free services to the public Among respondents who were hesitant to get vaccinated, the main reasons were concerns about side effects. and that they are not confident in the effectiveness of the vaccine, thus communicating the truth with empirical evidence and correct understanding Therefore, it is an important factor in building confidence among the people.

Associate Professor Dr. Saengduean Munsom Thailand Health University (THOHUN) network coordinator and lecturer at the Faculty of Tropical Medicine. Mahidol University said, “The results of the survey show that the preparation of the COVID-19 vaccine to the population, especially medical workers and groups at risk 608 should do this in conjunction with educate and continuously create a correct understanding of the role of vaccines.

by One Health University Network in Thailand Policy recommendations were presented in 3 approaches as follows:

1) Continuous communication to the public about the importance of vaccinations. It emphasizes the role of vaccines in preventing serious illness and death. Especially the 608 risk groups, which public health organizations such as the World Health Organization It is still recommended to get the vaccine every year. Because of the COVID-19 virus there is rapid mutation. And immunity from vaccination will decrease over time.

2) Obtain and reserve vaccines for vulnerable groups of people and medical personnel. To prepare to respond if the emergency situation becomes more serious.

3) Coordinate cooperation in screening and check for false information Ready to disseminate accurate information to the public in a timely manner. By coming together from different departments, especially medical groups. and the media sector To strengthen the protective barrier to receiving health news This could affect the safety and good health of people across the country.

“Even in the current COVID-19 disease it is considered to be a localized disease. But a report from the Department of Disease Control found that the number of infected people continues to increase every season. Especially groups at risk who have severe symptoms. and had to enter the hospital Including deaths as well. Public health agencies must continue to monitor the situation. To prepare for and manage risks that may affect Thailand’s health security. By doing this study. As well as aiming to assess people’s knowledge and understanding. It also aims to support government agencies in planning effective communications. and planning to prevent future epidemics as well,” concluded Dr.