Thailand to provide free flu vaccine for high-risk groups

BANGKOK, May 29 (TNA) – The Thai government is set to launch a new round of the free seasonal influenza vaccination program for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications. Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, as chairman of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), said the office has provided 3.1 million doses of injectable flu vaccine for four certain groups of people – woman at least four month pregnant, toddlers aged between six months and two years, people with chronic illnesses, and the elderly aged 65. He continued that these people are eligible to get the free influenza vaccine at NHSO service centers operated by both public and private sectors nationwide from June 1. Prof Emeritus Piyasakol said the authorities encouraged people, particularly high-risk groups, to get the vaccine and take care of their health in order to protect themselves from flu viruses and other complications. (TNA)