When Bangkok was placed back under lockdown, 31-year-old dentist Nisara Tanarerkchai temporarily shuttered the About Tooth Dental Clinic due to the surge in daily infections.
For the past two months, she has spent her leisure time volunteering at the Bang Sue Central Vaccination Center in hopes of alleviating the Covid-19 crisis.
"At this time, a large number of visitors have come to get vaccinated since the centre provides walk-in service. I believe there is insufficient staff, so I signed up as a volunteer. Like others, I'm terrified of Covid-19 but I'm willing to come out and show my support for frontline medical personnel," she said.
With a daily seating capacity of 25,000 to 30,000 people, the centre began administering vaccinations in late May and opened its doors for walk-ins last month. In Thailand, only doctors, dentists and nurses are permitted to administer injections, which has led to staff shortages.
"At the centre, we pick a shift and a department to work in. Sometimes, I start work at 9am and finish at 6pm. Before delivering shots, I utilise my expertise to screen and educate people about the Covid-19 vaccine," she said.
As Thailand is now at war against the fourth wave of Covid-19, volunteers are in great demand especially at the Bang Sue Central Vaccination Center. Currently, the centre has around 200 to 300 volunteers and allows them to work in various departments based on their competence. Previously, between 17,000 and 20,000 visitors came to receive shots on a daily basis as those aged 18 and above in Bangkok could register to get vaccinated. That means volunteers are significant in resolving staff shortages and management problems.
"We accept volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. For example, those with computer literacy can assist us in putting information into the registration system and communication arts students can help create infographics to educate visitors. Nurses are assigned to deliver shots and physicians are in charge in emergency rooms. Each day, a group of 30 retired dentists also play an important role in the vaccination drive here," said Dr Mingkwan Wichaidit, the director of the Institute of Dermatology, who runs the Bang Sue Grand Station vaccination centre.
Soldiers and the police are in charge of managing traffic flow by controlling lines. People under 65 are allowed to go through a registration point without having their blood pressure taken and those registering online via the Vaccine Bang Sue application can go straight to an injection counter to speed up the process. Meanwhile, overweight people and pregnant women can schedule an appointment in the afternoon to reduce congestion. Visitors are willing to cooperate but maintaining physical distance is difficult in such a limited space.
Inside the Bang Sue Grand Station, 100 injection sites have been set up under the supervision of experienced nurse Puttikan Kijjabuncha from the Department of Medical Services' Institute of Dermatology. Following strict disease control measures, medical staff and volunteers are required to get two doses before participating in activities at the centre.
Focusing on saving lives, the centre ensures volunteers are tested for Covid-19 every 10 days using a Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) as well as provide preventative gear such as surgical masks, face shields, hand sanitisers and PPE suits.
"Basically, volunteers need to learn about the scope of work, daily target groups, vaccines and first aid. They have to observe and educate visitors about vaccines, especially those with seven types of underlying health conditions," Puttikan said.
"We try to put the appropriate people in the right jobs. Those who are computer savvy can assist us in expediting the registration process while university students can deliver vaccines to physicians and nurses in various departments. Sometimes, Thai Airways employees have occasionally volunteered to help us in communicating with international visitors in English, Chinese and French. We're grateful."
Sirikorn Panitsathaphon, a 40-year-old office worker, has devoted her vacation and weekends to volunteer, with an aim to motivate people in dealing with Covid-19 and adjusting to the new normal.
With skills of using a computer, she was able to quickly learn about registration systems and how to create Covid-19 vaccine data. Cleaning trays and preparing syringes and tags for distribution to various injection counters are also her responsibilities.
"I started working here on June 24 after my friend in a Line chat group informed us that the Bang Sue Central Vaccination Center has opened up volunteer registrations. I came with a heart and am eager to assist medical personnel in any way possible," she said.
"Here, I've witnessed how dedicated medical professionals have been in fighting against the Covid-19 outbreak and I will do my best to support them. No one knows when this crisis will end, so I want everyone to remain calm and learn to live with Covid-19. Taking care of ourselves and our family is the most important thing we can do. Everything will be easier if we have a better understanding of the disease."
For 20-year-old sophomore Worada Wongtragoonsukdee and her friends, Bang Sue Grand Station is a two-hour drive from the Boromarajonani College of Nursing Chonburi but they are using this opportunity to gain experience in the field.
"My college encouraged students to volunteer and I realised this is a good chance to learn new skills from professionals. I spent five days learning how to make medical records, how to manage queues and how to correctly use needles. These will come in handy for my next exam," she said.
"All staff need to wear surgical masks and wash hands often. I know my parents are concerned about my safety, so I have learned to protect myself. This is a path that can lead me to a future career as a nurse."
Dr Mingkwan Wichaidit suggests that local residents aged 60 and above can now take advantage of a walk-in service at 25 other vaccination stations around Bangkok such as CentralPlaza Lardprao, Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, SCG Bang Sue and Siam Commercial Bank headquarters to avoid crowds.
Dentist Nisara Tanarerkchai uses her skills to deliver shots.
Second-year nursing student Worada Wongtragoonsukdee and her friends have devoted their free time to volunteer.
Office worker Sirikorn Panitsathaphon offers her support to medical personnel.
Office worker Sirikorn Panitsathaphon offers her support to medical personnel.
