UPDATE: Thne Phuket News confirmed this morning that the free flu jabs are for any persons, Thai or foreign, working in any form of tourism - and for any foreigners who have a work permit. The misunderstanding is sincerely regretted.
The flu jabs will be provided on the second floor of the Limelight shopping mall on Dibuk Rd in Phuket Town this Sunday (Nov 26), Vachira Phuket Hospital said in an announcement.
The injections will be provided in three sessions: from 9am to midday; from midday to 4pm; and 4pm to 8pm.
Walk-ins will be accepted, but those wishing to book a vaccination time can do so online at https://www.vachiraphuket.go.th/vcx/
Online registration for booking vaccination times began yesterday, and will close at close of business hours today (Nov 23).
Online registration to book a vaccination time will open for another 250 people on Sunday (Nov 26).
People can also still make ‘walk-in registrations’ to book an appointment for Sunday at Limelight mall tomorrow (Nov 24).
A limited number of influenza vaccinations have been reserved for the day.
“If you have made a reservation and do not come for your injection on the same day, the hospital will take your vaccine and give it to walk-ins,” Vachira hospital said in its announcement.
People are urged to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled vaccination time, the hospital added.
This Sunday will be the second round of influenza vaccinations rolled out under the ‘Quick Win’ and ‘Safe Tourists: Safety Phuket Island Sandbox’ policies. The first, for tourism service providers, was held at Vachira hospital on Nov 13.
At the launch of the campaign on Nov 13, PPHO Chief Dr Kusak Kukiattikoon explained that Phuket had been allocated an additional 100,000 doses of influenza vaccine.
Some 30,000 doses had already been rolled out to higher at-risk ‘Group 608’ patients, he said.
The first rollout of the additional vaccinations from Nov 13-17, was to target people working in the tourism industry, namely those working alongside tourists, such as in the marine industry, shop owners, shop staff and food and market vendors.
“Following the two mass vaccination rollouts by Vachira hospital, the Department of Disease Control will gradually send additional doses of influenza vaccine to be distributed to all three districts (Mueang Phuket District, Thalang District and Kathu District) for tourism service providers in Phuket Province so they are able to provide services more conveniently,” Dr Kusak said.
“Such measures will be a part of helping build confidence and raise the level of safety in tourist areas for both Thai and foreign tourists,” he added.