Bangkok: Thailand on Tuesday defends mixing two different Covid-19 vaccines to fight with a surge in infection, after Top WHO scientists warned it was “dangerous trends” not supported by evidence.
The kingdom struggled to load its newest outbreak driven by a very contagious Delta variant, with cases and skyrocket deaths and health care systems stretched thinly.
Authorities say they will mix the first dose of Sinovac made in China with the second dose of AstraZeneca to try and achieve the effect of “booster” in six weeks, not 12.
Thai virology head Yong Poovorawan said this would be possible by combining the viral vaccine inactive – Sinovac – with vaccines Virus vectors like AstraZeneca.
“We can’t wait for 12 weeks (for the booster effect) in this outbreak where the disease spreads quickly,” he said.
“But in the future, if there is a better and better vaccine …
we will find a better way to manage the situation.” His comment came a day after the head of World Health Scientist scientist Soumya Swaminathan called the “dangerous trend” strategy.
“We are in a slightly free data zone, proof free as far as ‘mix-and-match'”, he said.
Thailand has reported more than 353,700 cases of Coronavirus and 2,847 deaths – most of them detected since the latest waves began in April from the upper-class Bangkok nightlife district.
Health care workers were the first in line to receive Sinovac, but the authorities said the week was almost 900 medical staff – most of them were vaccinated with the shot – got Covid-19.
They will now get a shot astrazeneca or Pfizer-Bionontech Booster, the authorities said.
The Bangkok hotspot virus and nine other hit provinces are now under a harder limit that includes hours of night time and a ban on more than five meetings.
The main prayut pray-o-cha administration has been under the criticism of handling pandemic, from allegations of mismanagement of vaccines with a lack of government compensation for the affected sector.
On Tuesday, the cabinet approved a 30 billion baht rehabilitation scheme ($ 920 million) to help business – including retail, entertainment and construction – influenced by severe restrictions in Bangkok and nine other provinces.
Housing utility bills such as water and electricity will also be reduced for two months, the cabinet said.