Sinovac virus jabs 'effective' in Phuket

Sinovac virus jabs 'effective' in Phuket

The Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine was 83.3% effective at reducing infections and the severity of the disease, a study by the Public Health Ministry found. No lung infections in vaccine recipients were reported.

Permanent secretary for public health Kiattiphum Wongrajit said the study, conducted among 386 Covid-19 patients in Phuket, found that six patients who had received two doses of the vaccine did not have a lung infection. Four of 31 people who were infected after receiving the first dose did have a lung infection.

A study also conducted among 1,366 high-risk people who had been quarantined for 14 days found the Sinovac vaccine was 73.1% effective at reducing the risk of infection among first-dose recipients. He said the study found the Sinovac vaccine decreased the risk of infection by 83.3% in patients.

Some 22% of people in Phuket have received two doses of Covid-19 vaccine while 45% have received the first dose, he said. As of May 17, there were no new infections in Phuket among people who had received two doses, Dr Kiattiphum said.

Kiattiphum: Pledges jabs by October

He warned that people should still wear masks, practise social distancing, and wash their hands frequently and maintain personal hygiene even if they have received two doses of the vaccine.

On containing Covid-19 in various clusters in upcountry areas, public health authorities moved quickly to detect infections and set up field hospitals to handle them. Dr Kiattiphum said 70% of people will be vaccinated by October. The government's committee on national tourism policy earlier this month confirmed a plan to reopen Phuket to foreign visitors. That is due to begin on July 1.

CP All Plc yesterday announced that all 3,314 7-Eleven stores would be open for Covid-19 vaccine registration on May 27 from noon onwards.

The registration is part of a project by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Thai Chamber of Commerce to vaccinate people aged 18-59 who do not have seven chronic diseases specified by the government. The registration is available on the website "Thai Ruam Jai".

Wichai Chanjariyakul, deputy managing director CP All, said 7-Elevens would provide equipment for vaccine registration at all its branches in Bangkok. Registration will open from 8.30am–6pm. A citizen's ID card and mobile phone are needed for registration at the stores.

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