Thailand adjusts Covid-19 vaccination strategy

Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) Tares Krasanairawiwong said that the number of Covid-19 cases after Songkran could be higher than during the New Year when Covid-19 prevention measures are relaxed.

According to Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, from April 9 to 15, Thailand recorded 435 new Covid-19 cases treated in hospitals, an average of 62 cases per day, 2.5 times higher than the previous week.

Of these, 30 people developed pneumonia and 19 people required ventilators, an increase of 58% and 36%, respectively. During this time, Thailand also recorded 2 deaths from Covid-19, among people who had received their last booster shot more than 3 months ago.

Mr Tares recommends that those in high-risk groups, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, seek a booster dose at a health service office near their home as soon as possible.

In the face of the current increase in Covid-19 cases and severe cases, Mr. Tares said the Ministry of Health will adjust its Covid-19 prevention strategy, accordingly, it will start providing booster shots similar to seasonal flu shots, starting next month.

Regarding concerns about the emergence of the Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.16, which has now been detected in 22 countries including Thailand, Dr Tares said that although the new sub-variant of the virus appears to increase its transmissibility, there is currently insufficient evidence to determine that the new sub-variant is also more dangerous.

As of April 13, Thailand has detected 6 cases of the XBB.1.16 sub-variant out of about 3,000 cases detected worldwide .

Minh Hoa (reported by VOV, Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/thai-lan-dieu-chinh-chien-luoc-tiem-chung-vac-xin-ngua-covid-19-a603447.html