Authorities yesterday launched off a mass vaccination programme for the elderly and those with chronic health conditions in Nakhon Ratchasima with the aim of immunising 9,000 people per day.
A total of 732,492 people have registered for Covid-19 vaccinations so far in the province, while the number of those in the two groups with a high risk of complications in the area is estimated at around 800,000, including 541,974 elderly and 190,518 patients suffering from one of seven recognised chronic conditions: respiratory, heart and kidney disease, or having suffered a stroke, obesity, cancer and diabetes.
Two venues have been designated as vaccination stations: The Mall Nakhon Ratchasima, which can inoculate up to 3,000 people day, and Central Plaza Nakhon Ratchasima, which can accept 6,000.
Bot sites will operate 10 hours a day, from 9am to 7pm, with each recipient being required to stay for 30 minutes after receiving a shot in case of any severe side effects.
Nakhon Ratchasima governor Wichian Chantaranothai said the province had begun public vaccinations earlier than expected after a May 19-23 trial was completed without any hitches but the jabs would only be given to those who had already registered for vaccination.
No walk-in service is being allowed, so that officials can properly manage the vaccine supply.
Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital director Kriangsak Watcharanukulkiat said about 60,000 people had been vaccinated there and the province would receive 147,000 more doses next month.
Meanwhile, the province yesterday reported eight new cases, bringing the total to 906 with nine fatalities.