A recommendation from the Infection Disease Association was widely shared on social media on Wednesday urging the government to acquire more mRNA vaccines and less Sinovac.
In a statement dated Tuesday, the body recommended the purchase of mRNA vaccines, including those made by Moderna and Pfizer, rather than inactivated vaccines, such as Sinovac, in anticipation of the Delta variant.
The Delta variant, first found in India, has the potential to surpass the Alpha variant, first identified in the United Kingdom, as the dominant variant in Bangkok within the next couple of months, the Department of Medical Science said on Monday.
“In the plan to purchase 150 million doses, Sinovac vaccines account for a high percentage, even when the vaccination is not very effective against Covid-19,” the statement said.
“The ratio to buy mRNA vaccines should be the highest, and that would benefit the efforts to contain and prevent the virus,” they added.
They said that existing vaccines are less effective against the Delta variant than they were against the original variant. mRNA vaccines are also less effective, and their ability to develop immunity is reduced, but they are still protective.
Despite modest reductions of 3.2 to 2.1 fold in response to the Delta variant when compared to the original strain, Moderna said the vaccine should still protect against it.
AstraZeneca’s ability to develop immunity against the Delta variant is also reduced. But a study released by Oxford University last week shows that AstraZeneca and Pfizer remain effective against the variant. Both vaccines offer 90 per cent protection against hospitalization from the Delta variant.
However, there has yet to be any study that suggests Sinovac is effective against the Delta variant, as no official study has ever been released by the Chinese maker, the Infection Disease Association said.
“The Sinovac study confirms its effectiveness against only the Alpha variant, which is insufficient for determining what vaccines to consider for the next batch,” they said.
6.5 million Thais received their first dose between February 28 and June 26; approximately 3.5 million were inoculated with Sinovac, and approximately 3 million were vaccinated with AstraZeneca.
The government said on June 18 that they have booked 105.5 million doses of Covid vaccines for 2021, including 61 million doses of AstraZeneca, 20 million doses of Pfizer, 19.5 million doses of Sinovac and 5 million doses of Johnson & Johnson.
They also said that they are looking to buy an additional 50 million doses for 2022, where 28 million doses will be Sinovac and 22 million will be made up of other vaccines.
It is possible that this plan could change based on new studies about the effectiveness of vaccines and circumstances surrounding the virus’ mutation.
