The frequency of new COVID-19 infections is decreasing, but the health ministry is advising patients who are at high risk of severe symptoms to seek booster injections of the vaccine. Those who are particularly susceptible may choose to receive long-acting antibody (LAAB) injections instead. This is especially true for the elderly, who may be exposed to the virus during the Songkran holiday in April, when many people return to their hometowns.
Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, Director-General of the DDC, stated that the COVID-19 situation is improving. The number of new infections and hospitalized patients was dropping in keeping with the global trend.
Yet, in a meeting of health ministry executives on March 1, worry was voiced about the Songkran vacation season. People there were concerned that the large number of tourists visiting their hometowns or vacationing over the period might increase the infection rate.
As a result, the health ministry is urging members of the “608 Group” of people who are at a higher risk of severe COVID symptoms to take measures. People caring for elderly relatives and operators of senior homes are encouraged to get elders under their care immunized. They should make an attempt to obtain the recommended number of booster doses, or, in certain situations, the LAAB therapy. This would lower the chances of having severe symptoms or dying.
Dr Tares stated that the new-generation bivalent vaccination doses sent by Pfizer to the health ministry on February 20 are already being distributed to health facilities around the country. He said that the Pfizer vaccine’s first and second generations, as well as other Covid vaccinations, are effective as booster doses.