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Vaccines

Thailand's Top Paediatrician Challenges COVID-19 Vaccine Protocol for Children

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thailand's top paediatricians are reevaluating the COVID-19 vaccine protocol for children, with Somsak Lolekha from the Paediatric Society of Thailand advocating for a simplified approach to vaccination. According to Somsak, two doses of an mRNA vaccine, such as Pfizer, are sufficient to protect children from severe illness. This contradicts the Public Health Ministry's recommendation to combine doses of Sinovac and Pfizer for children between the ages of 12 and 17. The debate centers around the need for a booster dose, with Somsak suggesting that only children with underlying health conditions require additional protection.

Key Takeaways:

  • Somsak Lolekha, a paediatrician from the Paediatric Society of Thailand, recommends two doses of an mRNA vaccine (such as Pfizer) for children to protect against severe COVID-19 illness.
  • The Public Health Ministry previously recommended a mix of 1 dose of Sinovac followed by a dose of Pfizer for children between 12 and 17 years old.
  • Somsak believes that two doses of mRNA vaccine provide sufficient protection for most children and that booster doses are not necessary.
  • Younger children aged 6-11 should also receive two doses of an mRNA vaccine, instead of the recommended health ministry cocktail.
  • A recent study from the US and Canada found that an 8-week interval between the first and second dose of Pfizer vaccine provides 10 times more immunity and reduces the risk of myocarditis.

Statistics:

  • Children receiving two doses of mRNA vaccine (such as Pfizer) show sufficient protection against severe COVID-19 illness.
  • The Public Health Ministry recommends a cocktail of 1 dose of Sinovac followed by a dose of Pfizer for children aged 12-17.
  • An 8-week interval between doses of Pfizer vaccine is recommended over the previously suggested 4-week gap.
  • Booster doses are not recommended for most children, except for those with underlying health conditions.
  • 10 times more immunity is achieved with an 8-week interval between first and second dose of Pfizer vaccine.
  • Risk of myocarditis, a rare side effect, is reduced with the 8-week interval.

Sources:

  • Nation Thailand

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