Most don’t need latest Covid-19 booster, says Thai virologist

Most people do not need a booster against the latest strain of Covid-19, except for vulnerable groups and the unvaccinated as symptoms are relatively mild, and the vaccine must be paid for, claimed a virologist.

The virologist, from the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, Yong Poovorawan confirmed that the severity of the virus has consistently decreased, similar to other respiratory illnesses, due to high levels of vaccinations and herd immunity.

Nearly 90% of the population have now been infected by the virus. Those who have managed to avoid infection since the onset of the pandemic are mainly elders who spend most of their time at home.

Yong explained that Covid has become endemic, leading to seasonal flare-ups similar to other respiratory diseases.

In Thailand, these outbreaks are common during the rainy season, while countries with long winters will experience surges due to extended cold weather, said Yong.

“In Thailand, Covid outbreaks are common during the rainy season or at the start of a new school semester.

“Most patients have mild symptoms and can take care of themselves. The hospitalisation rate is also lower than at the same period last year,”

Yong predicted that the cumulative number of deaths from covid this year should not exceed 300, similar to influenza. He also expects the severity of Covid and the hospitalisation rate to ease further.

When questioned on the distribution of covid vaccines, Yong mentioned that the National Health Security Office (NHSO) no longer receives a government subsidy to distribute them free of charge.

Due to its relatively high price, he highlights that getting booster shots for healthy individuals is not necessary, said Yong.

“Anyone wishing to be vaccinated must pay for it out of their own pocket, and the vaccine is expensive.

“The demand for the vaccine has dropped, so supplies are limited, driving up retail costs.”

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) released a weekly report on covid infections in Thailand between May 26 and June 1, revealing that 1,863 cases are being treated in hospitals, with a weekly average of six deaths.

The number of total cases has reached 20,483, with 132 deaths, reported Bangkok Post.