BANGKOK – As the Omicron variant spreads rapidly, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is planning to provide a fourth Covid-19 vaccine dose to at-risk and vulnerable groups.
“Adults 60 years old and above, patients suffering chronic diseases, medical personnel as well as frontliners could receive a fourth dose to maintain their immunity,” Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said.
He said the BMA would alert people regarding the fourth shot when its rollout is approved.
To protect its citizens against the Omicron variant, last week, Israel announced it would begin rolling out a fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine with immediate effect for people who are 60 and above, medical workers and those with suppressed immune systems.
Meanwhile, virology expert at Chulalongkorn University Yong Poovorawan voiced concern that Omicron cases could spread further in Thailand after New Year holidays.
“Hence, people should strictly adhere to measures to contain the spread of the virus,” he was quoted saying by The Nation.
Meanwhile, the country’s Public Health Ministry has unveiled plans to cope with a potential outbreak of Covid-19 caused by the Omicron variant next year.
To date, Thailand has recorded more than 200 Omicron cases at 10 provinces, including Kalasin, Pattani and Bangkok.
Over the last 24 hours, Thailand recorded 2,437 new Covid-19 cases and 18 deaths, bringing its cumulative numbers to 2,212,407 cases and 21,598 fatalities. – Bernama, December 27, 2021
