National Vaccine Institute (NVI), in collaboration with Department of Disease Control (DDC), is advancing policies to support Local Administrative Organizations (LAOs) in vaccine procurement, following approval by the National Vaccine Committee.
Under the initiative, LAOs are encouraged to take a greater role in procuring additional routine and essential vaccines to supplement the National Immunisation Program, providing strengthening of protection against vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
The effort relies on collaboration across multiple sectors. LAOs, with their close ties to local communities, are pivotal to disease prevention and control by Provincial Health Offices (PPHOs) and Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals (SHPHs), to expand vaccine access among target population.
The National Vaccine Committee has approved two vaccines that are suitable for LAOs to procure:
- Influenza vaccine for at-risk groups
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) for children under five
Influenza occurs year-round, with peak outbreaks during the rainy and cold seasons. Vaccinating at-risk groups before these periods — particularly in May to August— can ensure timely immunity, reducing severe illness, hospitalisations, and mortality. In 2024, Pathum Thani and Chonburi successfully piloted vaccination for their populations.
Pneumococcal infections, cusing pneumonia and meningitis, also pose a major health threat, especially to young children and the elderly. Severe cases typically surge annually, similar to influenza trends. High-risk groups include children under five, adults over 65, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic diseases.
In 2025, the NVI will continue to drive this policy forward, building a strong, collaborative vaccine network with positive responses from provinces across all regions. Empowering LAOs to take an active role in vaccine procurement marks a major step towards expanding vaccine accessibility and strengthening Thailand’s disease prevention infrastructure.
LAOs interested in participating can find more information in the Vaccine Procurement and Implementation Guidelines at www.nvi.go.th.