Thailand's Department of Disease Control Reaffirms Vaccine Safety

Strategic Insights -

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand has issued a statement reassuring the public about the safety and effectiveness of all vaccines used in the country. Citing rigorous testing and international standards, the DDC director-general, Dr Panumas Yanawetsakul, dismissed online claims that vaccines are unnecessary or harmful. He emphasized that every vaccine administered in Thailand is registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is subject to strict monitoring. Dr Panumas also clarified common misconceptions about vaccine ingredients, stating that thimerosal and aluminium are used in safe amounts and are not linked to serious conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand has reaffirmed the safety and effectiveness of all vaccines used in the country.
  • Dr Panumas Yanawetsakul, DDC director-general, stated that vaccines have passed rigorous safety and efficacy testing in line with international standards.
  • Some vaccines contain small amounts of thimerosal, a preservative used to prevent contamination, which is safe according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Food and Drug Administration.
  • Aluminium is used in some vaccines as an adjuvant to enhance immune response, which has been safely employed worldwide for more than 70 years.
  • Scientific studies confirm that the trace amounts of aluminium and thimerosal in vaccines are harmless and pose no risk of serious illness.
  • Most side effects from vaccination are mild and temporary, while severe adverse events are extremely rare and closely monitored through established surveillance systems.
  • The DDC chief stated that the benefits of vaccines clearly outweigh the risks, citing their role in reducing severe illness, preventing deaths, and controlling outbreaks.
  • For reliable advice, people can consult doctors or contact the DDC hotline at 1422.

Statistics:

  • Over 70 years of safe use of aluminium as an adjuvant worldwide.
  • Thimerosal is used in safe amounts, and its elimination has not led to a reduction in vaccine safety.
  • Severe adverse events from vaccination are extremely rare, with no specific data provided.
  • Mild side effects from vaccination are temporary and include pain, redness, swelling at the injection site, or low-grade fever.

Sources:

  • Dr Panumas Yanawetsakul, director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), Thai Ministry of Public Health.
  • World Health Organization (WHO).
  • US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Thailand.