On June 7, 2021, from 8 am to 1 pm at the CMU Convention Hall, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital kicked off COVID-19 vaccination for 710 general public recipients who registered to get their shots at the Hospital on the Mor Phrom application.
Clinical. Prof. Niwes Nanthachit, President of Chiang Mai University, stated that “Everything has gone according to the plan of the Ministry Public Health and the government. June 7, 2021, is the date for the nationwide vaccination kickoff, and hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) will also follow the same schedule. The number of recipients went according to the pre-registration and the vaccines today arrived on time. We expect to get people in Chiang Mai vaccinated as much as possible during this period to build herd immunity. Please do not worry about the side effects, as both the Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines available in Thailand pose minimal risks.’
Prof. Bannakij Lojanapiwat, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, explained that “The Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with the Province of Chiang Mai, has begun providing COVID-19 vaccines to the general public today (June 7, 2021) at the CMU Convention Hall from 8 am to 1 pm to prevent the spread of the pandemic. CMU has kindly provided its Convention Hall as the vaccination spot until the process is complete. We are set to provide efficient, full-scale service, so everyone can rest assured when getting their shots with Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital.’
Assist. Prof. Narain Chotirosniramit, M.D., Director of Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, revealed that, “Today is the first day of public vaccination, and we have chosen the CMU Convention Hall to accommodate the large number of people receiving vaccines and the 220 medical staff volunteers. The 710 people that registered on Mor Phrom were divided into two groups designated by the government – 425 who were 60 years old and above got the AstraZeneca vaccine and the 285 under 60 got the Sinovac vaccine. Recipients can rest assured regarding the safety as both have been proven to prevent infection and to reduce severe symptoms and ICU admissions.
Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital has set up a system of six service stations, as follows.
1. Registration (Recipients are asked to bring their national ID card.)
2. Blood pressure test
3. Risk screening
4. Waiting area
5. Vaccination
6. Post-vaccination observation – the conditions are monitored for 30 minutes after vaccination by the medical staff for any side effects that may occur.
At every station, there is a tracking system whereby recipients will register by scanning the provided QR codes.
This system allows us to track how crowded each station is and the analysed figures will be displayed on the dashboard with constant updates. This way, we can promptly deploy more people to assist the stations where there are a lot of people waiting. Moreover, there is a one-stop service spot at which services from all six stations are provided called ‘Suandok Care Room’ for elderly recipients who might require mobility assistance to enhance convenience and efficiency.”
He also added that “24 hours after vaccination, the body may react to the vaccine, so I ask recipients to refrain from drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages in order to best monitor side effects. Should uncommon side effects occur, please contact the number indicated on the appointment card, or visit the Emergency Room at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital immediately.’