The Phuket News Novosti Phuket Khao Phuket

Login | Create Account | Search


CCSA admits to vaccine shortage

THAILAND: The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has admitted there is a shortage of vaccine, with no deliveries expected this week.

CoronavirusCOVID-19Vaccine
By Bangkok Post

Monday 14 June 2021 03:14 PM


The media briefing at Government House by Department of Disease Contol chief Opas Karnkawinpong (left), National Security Council secretary-general Gen Nattapon Nakpanich (centre) and Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmaung. Photo: supplied.

The media briefing at Government House by Department of Disease Contol chief Opas Karnkawinpong (left), National Security Council secretary-general Gen Nattapon Nakpanich (centre) and Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmaung. Photo: supplied.

The admission came after many hospitals announced they would have to postpone scheduled inoculations because of the lack of supply.

Gen Nattapon Nakpanich, who runs the CCSA’s day-to-day operations, said today (June 14) no vaccines were scheduled for delivery this week. However, he remained confident the target of 6 million doses this month would be met.

The National Security Council secretary-general was briefing reporters on the situation at Government House, in company with Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang and Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control.

The media briefing was ordered by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the CCSA director, after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Public Health Ministry blamed each other for the scarcity of vaccines.

Only one week after Gen Prayut launched a nationwide inoculation campaign, hospitals have deferred jab appointments for this week, saying they were unable to obtain the vaccines.

The BMA also announced today that the vaccination of Bangkok residents registering on the Thai Ruam Jai scheme would be postponed from tomorrow.

Dr Opas said more vaccines would be distributed to all agencies, but he could not give any accurate timing.

City governor Aswin said Bangkok would resume inoculations as soon as it receives a supply of vaccine from the ministry.