– by Pirunrat Nathchayanonth (Yori), Client Coordinator
It’s already June! Can you believe how fast time is flying?
Since March, we have been hearing many things about the Covid 19 vaccine and how the Thai government is handling the issue.
So, what do we know now regarding the Covid 19 vaccine plan for Thailand?
- The program has already been started focusing on high-risk groups and elderly
- The vaccines being administered currently are Astra Zeneca and Sinovac and the mass vaccination program will start on June 7th
While the private sector is trying their best to import Moderna as an alternate vaccine by the fourth quarter of this year, others like Pfizer and Sputnik V are being pushed to be approved by Thai FDA as I am writing this.
As new vaccines are developing, it’s no surprise that there will be concern regarding the efficacy because it was officially launched in such a short period of time, but we can guarantee you that the scientists have done thorough testing to ensure safety.
According to the World Health Organization, “COVID-19 vaccines are safe, and getting vaccinated will help protect you against developing severe COVID-19 disease and dying from COVID-19. You may experience some mild side effects after getting vaccinated, which are signs that your body is building protection.” (read more about side effects here https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/side-effects-of-covid-19-vaccines).
Let’s have a closer look on how effective these vaccines are (read a full article here https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/covid-19-vaccine-comparison).
AstraZeneca – Two doses, 4 to 12 weeks apart
Common side effects: Tenderness, pain, warmth, redness, itching, swelling or bruising at the injection site, all of which generally resolve within a day or two.
Sinovac(https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/4/20/Five-most-common-side-effects-AstraZeneca-Sinovac-vaccines.html) – Two doses, 2-4 weeks apart
Common side effects: elevated blood pressure, headache, injection site pain, dizziness, and rash
Moderna– Two shots, 28 days apart
Common side effects: Can include chills, headache, pain, tiredness, and/or redness and swelling at the injection site, all of which generally resolve within a day or two. On rare occasions, mRNA vaccines have appeared to trigger anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that is treatable with epinephrine (the drug in Epipens®). For that reason, the CDC requires vaccination sites to monitor everyone for 15 minutes after their COVID-19 shot, and for 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergies.
Johnson & Johnson – Single shot
Common side effects: Fatigue, fever headache, injection site pain, or myalgia (pain in a muscle or group of muscles), all of which generally resolve within a day or two.
Today in Thailand, the vaccination program roll-out only starring two vaccines. And here is the infographic on how effective it is after you take it:
It would be wonderful to have more options, but with the current situation, it is highly encouraged from medical professionals and scientists to take the Covid 19 Vaccine that is available to you now so if you are given the opportunity to get it, please do take it!
