Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health Clarifying that there is no clear information that Omicron coronavirus BA.4/BA.5 is spreading faster and more severely. But the booster vaccination can help increase immunity. After the 3rd dose, it can be injected every 4 months. Thailand is expected to be able to escape the pandemic as planned. however, outbreaks can be clustered and are under control. Prepare to discuss vaccination in children aged 6 months-5 years if approved by the FDA.
On June 27, 65, at the Grand Richmond Hotel, Nonthaburi Province, Dr. Kiattipoom Wongrachit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health Mention of COVID-19, Omicron strain, BA.4/BA.5, that these 2 subspecies The Department of Medical Sciences has a species surveillance system. and found since April 2022, the issue of concern that the disease will spread so quickly that it cannot be controlled It was found that in the United States and England, BA.4/BA.5 strains spread 1.3-1.4 times faster than the original Omicron strain, but in other European countries it was found to be less contagious, so the speed of transmission is unclear. clarity in Thailand From the breeding test, it was found that the proportion of foreigners was higher than Thai people. and from surveillance regarding causing severe symptoms that require more hospitalization As of yet, no such feature has been found.
“It’s important to find that BA.4/BA.5 causes some reduction in the immune system. Therefore, it is recommended to have more booster vaccinations. Those who have already had 3 injections, if the recommended period is 4 months, should repeat the booster shot. Because there is information abroad that patients from strains BA.4/BA.5 if receiving the booster vaccination will have less symptoms than those who do not. Clearly, the vaccine is effective in preventing serious illness and death,” said Dr. Kiatpoom.
Dr. Kiattipoom continued that the driving force of COVID-19 to the post-pandemic period (Post-Pandemic) following July 1, 2022 is expected to go according to plan. which the important issue is There will be no pandemic in Thailand. The disease has decreased in severity. and the health system can support It’s not that there won’t be any disease. But there may be some clusters and then decrease. All will be under control. received proper care There is a surveillance and medical preparation system for critically ill patients and intubation. Including the need for vaccination in the elderly and with chronic diseases which is also an important risk group for infection and death Currently, almost 140 million doses of the covid-19 vaccine can be vaccinated, with 60 million people getting the first dose, while children aged 6 months to 5 years are allowed by the US FDA. In Thailand, if it has been approved by the Thai FDA, the timing and appropriate injection regime will be discussed further.
