The Central Vaccination Centre (CVC) at Bang Sue Grand Station is to close at the end of this month.
CVC director Dr Mingkwan Wichaidit yesterday revealed that the closure had already been pushed back once from the original date of Aug 31 as demand for shots remained high.
The new closure date also coincides with the Public Health Ministry's announcement of the downgrade of Covid-19 from a dangerous communicable disease to "communicable under surveillance" from Oct 1.
"We want to encourage those who have not yet received booster shots to receive one, especially those who have underlying health conditions and senior citizens," she said the government's target is that at least 60% of the population should have at least one booster jab but so far the number is a little over 50%.
The rollout of booster jabs must accelerate, she said, adding that those who received their last dose four months ago should receive another, and they are being offered at the CVC until it shuts its doors.
The centre has administered more than 6.3 million vaccine doses, and the service could remain open beyond Sept 30 if the situation changes or if there is another outbreak, she said, adding that all equipment will be stored at the station in case a prompt response is needed.
For the next generation of vaccines, which are effective against the subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 of the Omicron strain, she said Thailand may receive the new batch next year.
Meanwhile, deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul yesterday suggested parents take children aged 6 months to five years old to get vaccinated from October onwards, after the cabinet on Tuesday allowed the Disease Control Department to arrange 3 million doses of Pfizer vaccines for the young. Children will receive three shots over set time periods, she said.
