The National Vaccine Committee has approved, in principle, the implementation of policies supporting local administrative organizations in procuring influenza vaccines and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) for children under the age of five. This initiative aims to reduce severe illness and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Deputy Prime Minister, Prasert, Chairs National Vaccine Committee Meeting
On February 24, 2025, at Meeting Room 301, Command Building 1, Government House, Dusit District, Bangkok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, chaired the first National Vaccine Committee meeting of 2025. The meeting was attended by distinguished committee members both in person and online.
Mr. Prasert emphasised that the primary agenda item was to consider the implementation of policies supporting local administrative organizations in procuring vaccines, as promoted by the National Vaccine Institute (NVI). The pilot program, which focused on influenza vaccines, has already been initiated in Pathum Thani and Chonburi provinces.
Rising Risks and the Importance of Vaccination
The Deputy Prime Minister noted the increasing risk of influenza outbreaks in 2025, along with a rise in pneumococcal infections, particularly pneumonia caused by pneumococcus, which is affecting more children aged 0-4. These diseases can be prevented with vaccines, and scientific evidence shows that vaccination reduces the incidence of severe infections and transmission.
The committee agreed in principle to add the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for children under five to the list of essential vaccines, along with reference pricing. The NVI and the Department of Disease Control have been assigned to coordinate with interested LAOs to facilitate vaccine procurement and distribution to local populations.
Updates on Vaccine Production and National Strategies
Dr. Nakorn Premsri, Director of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) and secretary of the National Vaccine Committee, provided additional updates:
1. Progress in Influenza Vaccine Production
The committee discussed advancements in industrial-scale influenza vaccine production using cell culture technology. A joint venture between the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) and SK Bioscience is underway, with the project currently seeking additional government funding to enhance Thailand’s production capabilities and prepare for technology transfer.
2. Fiscal Year 2023 Performance on the National Vaccine Policy and Strategy
The committee reviewed the performance of 60 projects under the National Vaccine Policy and Strategy for the fiscal year 2023. Approximately 59.26% of the projects met their target outcomes.
3. Updates on Monkeypox Vaccine Efforts
Dr. Panumas Yanawetsakul, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, reported on the country’s efforts regarding monkeypox surveillance, and strategy for preventing by vaccination. The Subcommittee on Immunization Promotion, in its meeting on February 13, 2025, reviewed measures to monitor and control monkeypox in Thailand, including vaccine utilization to target groups and monitoring adverse events following vaccination.
