One shot person will curb Covid-19 more efficiently, advises lung expert
Dr Manoon Leechawengwongs, a respiratory and critical care specialist at Bangkok’s Vichaiyut Hospital, is advising the government to administer one dose of Covid-19 vaccine to members of the public and migrant workers because the supply of the vaccines will not be able to meet the global demand.
He said Thailand has ordered 63 million doses, which will cover slightly over 30 million people at the rate of two doses per person.
Of the 63 million vaccines, 2 million doses will come from China’s Sinovac and 61 million from AstraZeneca.
“I advise the government to administer one dose each to people in Thailand, including migrant workers. That way we will have enough vaccines available to deliver two doses to medical personnel and people in the vulnerable group,” he said.
For instance, he added, a study in Chicago showed that Pfizer’s vaccine boosts immunity against Covid-19 in 14 days, so people can afford to wait for a year for a second dose of the vaccine.
“I think inoculating more people with one dose will help curb the spread of Covid-19 better than delivering two doses to more than 30 million people this year and leaving the rest of the population to wait until next year,” he added.