Thailand defends its COVID vaccine 'mix and match' strategy after WHO calls it 'dangerous'

On July 13, Thailand defended its decision to mix two different COVID-19 vaccines to stem drastic surge in coronavirus infections after World Health Organization (WHO) top scientist warned against “dangerous trend” of vaccine cocktails still t backed by science. Thailand is presently battling to contain its latest outbreak fuelled with highly contagious Delta variant with both cases and deaths witnessing an uptick and overwhelming country’s healthcare system. 

Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters on July 12 that country’s immunisation strategy against dealing with COVID-19 pandemic includes administering a shot of AstraZeneca’s viral vector vaccine followed by Sivac’s coronavirus vaccine. He said that if plan is implemented, it would mark first publicly anunced mix and match of Chinese vaccine and a Western-developed shot. lawmaker also revealed that table move is to increase protection against highly transmissible variants. 

Referring to coronavirus variant first detected in Indonesia, Charnvirakul told reporters that vaccine cocktail will be administrated on Thai people to “improve protection against Delta variant and build a high level of immunity against disease.” His remarks came as Thailand and neighbouring countries like Indonesia report breakthrough infections among healthcare professionals and frontline workers who received Sivac’s shot. 

Reportedly, most Thai medical professionals were given Chinese vaccine after February with AstraZeneca jabs arriving in June. However, WHO’s chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan called Thai strategy a “dangerous trend.” As per reports, she said, “We are in a bit of a data-free, evidence-free zone as far as 'mix-and-match.” Thailand's chief virologist Yong Poovorawan reportedly defended decision on Tuesday saying, "We can't wait 12 weeks (for a booster effect) in this outbreak where disease is spreading fast...But in future, if re are better, improved vaccines... we will find a better way to man situation."

Thailand sets curfew for capital Bangkok

Meanwhile, officials on July 9 anunced a seven-hour long curfew along with or restrictions for Thai capital Bangkok and nine or provinces to stem rapid increase of COVID-19 cases and deaths. As per Associated Press, people living in Bangkok and five nearby provinces in far south are required to stay indoors from 9 PM to 4 AM, t hold any garings of over five persons and avoid n-essential travels. 

Thai Deputy Health Minister Satit Pitutacha also anunced on Friday that said restrictions would come into effect on July 12 and will be reviewed after two weeks. Additionally, shopping centres in greater Bangkok area will be shut down except only for businesses such as supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, takeout food and or essential services. restrictions were anunced due to increasing number of coronavirus infections and deaths. 

IM: AP