Covid-19 epidemic Omicron strains in Thailand are still in a worrying situation. With the number of new infections steadily breaking records, the average 7-day average has exceeded 20,000 since late February.
Issues about vaccination against COVID-19 Therefore, the stimulus has become a matter of interest in society again. Asst. Prof. Dr. Mondech Sukpranee, M.D., Specialist in Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Med Park Hospital gave the view that If dealing with Omicron like a fist A four-dose vaccine may be necessary.
Penetration efficiency of three needles per Omicron strain.
After living with COVID-19 for more than 2 years, it is well known that The level of immunity obtained from vaccination against the virus begins to decline after 6-8 months, which is why the booster vaccination is available. especially after the rapid outbreak of omicron strains. Asst.Prof.Dr. Mondej Described as “COVID-19 virus Omicron strains have up to 30 mutations that bind to receptors on the cell surface. making it more immune to escape and the immunity resulting from two doses of vaccination may not be enough.”
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which examined the Omicron epidemic (November 2021–January 2022), found that the AstraZeneca vaccine was virtually ineffective against asymptomatic infections. After 20 to 24 weeks of two doses, the Pfizer vaccine’s efficacy was 65.5% before dropping to 8.8% after 25 weeks, and the Moderna vaccine at 75.1% before dropping to 14.9. % within the same period
Research indicates that After the third dose of mRNA vaccine, the vaccine was able to boost immunity to levels similar to that after the first two doses. However, immunity tended to decline relatively quickly. The third was reduced to 39.6% with the first two doses of AstraZeneca and 45.9% with the first two doses of Pfizer, while the effectiveness of Moderna was reduced after 5 to 9 weeks. down to 60.9% and 64.4%, respectively.
Asst.Prof.Dr. Mondej He further explained, “The research indicates that The effectiveness of both Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines as boosters. Able to protect against omicron strains to a good extent But the two vaccines may not be exactly the same as twins. from the results of the study enough to conclude that The Moderna vaccine is considered to have a higher level of immunity. and longer durability of immunity This is consistent with the actual data from the two vaccines during the delta strain epidemic in countries such as Israel, Qatar, the UK and the United States.”
side effects How worried are mRNAs?
Today, the mRNA vaccine is being used more and more in Thailand. But some people may still be uncertain about the potential side effects. Asst.Prof.Dr. Mondej Of the 252,378 doses of vaccination at Medpark Hospital, no serious side effects were seen from the vaccination, it said.
“For the Pfizer vaccine There were three side effects, two of which were seizures and high blood pressure. but returned to normal within 2-3 minutes by patients with underlying disease, high blood pressure When his symptoms improved, he was able to go home. The third patient was 90 years old with low blood pressure and black stools from intestinal bleeding. which occurred before vaccination Therefore, he was admitted to the ICU and his symptoms improved accordingly. For the part of the moderna The most common symptoms are fatigue, fever, aches and pains, and drowsiness for 1-3 days, which are more common in women than men. but did not find any severe allergy symptoms. or myocardial infarction in any way.”
Do I have to go on with the fourth needle?
Thailand has started to carpet the broad spectrum of vaccinations since the end of 2021, but amid the number of infections that continue to rise. Many people would ask that question. How much is it necessary to inject a fourth needle? Asst.Prof.Dr. Mondej “Overseas studies have shown that immunity to omicron strains tends to decline significantly faster than Delta species. Even the third dose of vaccine The most effective against omicrons, mRNA, also persisted for no more than 3-6 months, so if omicrons did not disappear within 3-6 months, IV immunization with vaccination It is necessary.”
For more advice on different vaccines from the perspective of an expert Asst.Prof.Dr. Mondej Recommends that “2 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, although it copes well with alpha and delta strains, but did not last long and must be activated by mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer, but Pfizer’s immunity to omicron strains is modest. And it also declined relatively quickly. For the 3 dose mRNA vaccine, it is still considered good at dealing with omicrons. especially if the third needle be a modern Will stand for as long as 6 months or less. However, currently vaccine manufacturers are still accelerating research on Omicron strain specific vaccines. Therefore, further information must be followed.”