Discussion on Booster Shots... Controversy over Sinovac Effectiveness in Thailand

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Thai health authorities are reportedly considering administering Pfizer booster shots to medical personnel who received the Chinese-made Sinovac vaccine, sparking ongoing controversy.

On the 6th, CNN and other outlets cited local media reporting, "Recently, a document discussing the target recipients for the Pfizer vaccine among health experts circulated on social media at the end of last month."

The document contains discussions among experts about who should receive the 1.5 million doses arriving this month and the 20 million doses expected in the fourth quarter first.

A statement from one attendee sparked controversy surrounding the Sinovac vaccine. He said, "If the Pfizer vaccine is administered as a booster shot to medical personnel, it is tantamount to admitting that Sinovac does not protect against COVID-19."

In Thailand, where vaccinations began at the end of February, medical personnel were the first recipients, and most received the Sinovac vaccine. However, reports emerged that hundreds of fully vaccinated medical personnel contracted COVID-19, with some in severe condition, raising doubts about Sinovac's efficacy.

Hospitals urged the government to provide mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines as booster shots to medical personnel. It appears that this attendee's opinion was accepted during the meeting.

Subsequently, criticism arose online. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the authenticity of the document but clarified that no final decision has been made yet.

However, Opas Kankawinpong, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, dismissed the document as unofficial and not representative of the meeting's opinions.

Amid the spread of variant viruses, demands for mRNA vaccine introduction are growing in Thailand. It is reported that about 9 million citizens have expressed willingness to pay for vaccines and receive Moderna shots once available.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.