Siriraj Women’s Vaccination Center (SiWVC)

Abstract

Vaccination is one of the best ways to control the spreading and severity of disease. Thai Ministry of Public Health has proactively been working on the enhancement of vaccine uptake. However, the leading barriers are the logistics, costs of a vaccination campaign and medical personnel’s time contributing to health education. Therefore, the Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, has organized the Siriraj Women’s Vaccination Center (SiWVC), primarily aiming to service the clients of obstetric and gynaecologic outpatients clinics, including both pregnant and non-pregnant women. The center was opened on the 1st December 2019; located on the 3rd floor of the out-patients Building, Siriraj Hospital, right at the main entrance for the best accessibility. Apart from the vaccination, the Center provides knowledge and information relating to preventable diseases, vaccines, side effects and self-care. During October-December 2022, the side effects or adverse events following vaccination were closely monitored by telephone call; moreover, the uptake rate of maternal immunization was also evaluated. These data bring about the improvement of our service by giving an insight of the current situation. Pregnant women and non-pregnant women as well as their partners are welcomed to the Center either with or without appointment. Despite the COVID-19 pandemics which greatly reduced number of hospital visits, there is an increasing trend of clients reflecting the better understanding and acceptance toward vaccine among Thai people. As a result, this will reduce the transmission of diseases as a whole.