Sinovac & AstraZeneca vaccine concerns raised by doctor


Experts have stated that Thailand’s most recent Covid-19 outbreak is caused by a UK strain and it is spreading quickly.

A higher risk of death has also been associated with the variant – with 15 more deaths reported just today, bringing the total up to 318 cases, according to workpointTODAY.

There are, however, two more virus variants to take note of – those from South Africa and Brazil – the latter of which may have entered Thailand in April 2021.

Dr. Wayo Assawaungruang has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines against these new variants.

We summarise the salient points from his interview below.

Recent Covid-19 updates:


Sinovac and AstraZeneca aren’t as effective against new strains?


Dr. Wayo Assawarungruang – a.k.a “Mor Keng” – expressed his concerns on 4th May about Covid-19 variants from South Africa and Brazil entering Thailand, in a Youtube interview by Progressive Movement.

He claims the virus variant from Brazil could have entered the country in April 2021, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) via Khaosod.

mor keng interview
Screenshot: Progressive Movement

Mor Keng also mentioned that current vaccines in use – viral vector-focused Sinovac and AstraZeneca – may not be strong enough to protect citizens from both new variants.

New variants require mRNA-specific vaccines like “Pfizer” and “Moderna”, said to be more effective at dealing with mutations, explained Dr. Assawarungruang.

Due to the gravity of the situation, the doctor hopes that the government will be able to import more vaccines with similar efficacy soon.

Though we appreciate Dr. Assawarungruang’s courage in raising his concerns, we should still await official confirmation from alternate sources with regard to his claims.


Hold on a little longer


As the number of COVID-19 cases are still on the rise, safety restrictions have extended out to areas like Khlong Toei and Huai Khwang.

In the meantime, we can take heart in the efforts of our frontliners to combat the pandemic, and that the light at the end of the tunnel will be visible soon.

If not tomorrow, then perhaps the day after.

More Covid-19 related news:


Cover images adapted from: Progressive Movement (Left), Getty Images via WBBM NEWSRADIO 780 AM & 105.9 FM (Right)

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