Why PM's AstraZeneca vaccination was postponed
Since the AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19 is in the standard review process, the prime minister's vaccination has been postponed, the Ministry of Public Health said in response to questions about the delay.
Public Health permanent secretary Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit revealed that Health officials agreed that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was in the target group that needed to be vaccinated on priority because he was over 60 years old. The AstraZeneca vaccine has been recommended for those above 60 but it is currently in the process of quality assurance. It is expected to be available for inoculation for people aged 60 and above by March.
Related story: Ministers, senior government officials first to get Covid-19 vaccine
However, the vaccination must be used at the discretion of the physician and the consent of the person receiving it, Kiattiphum said.
His clarification was a reiteration of an AstraZeneca press release on Saturday that the vaccine was in the process of quality assurance which will be completed by the second week of March.