Procurement of Pfizer, Moderna, J&J urged to cope with South African strain

13 Sept 09:55 Key points summarised by AI

A senior doctor urges the Thai government to quickly procure Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.
These vaccines demonstrate higher efficacy (up to 75%) against the South African variant (B.1.351), which is highly resistant to current vaccines and antibodies.
AstraZeneca and Sinovac, the main vaccines used in Thailand, are largely ineffective against the South African strain, with AstraZeneca's efficacy dropping significantly.
The South African variant is reportedly spreading along the Thai-Malaysian border, prompting calls for an urgent review of the country's vaccine policy to combat new virus strains.

Flooding persists in Bangkok and 22 provinces

Today 16:00 Key points summarised by AI

Persistent flooding continues across Bangkok and 22 Thai provinces, though water levels are gradually receding in many affected areas.
Over 604,000 families, impacting approximately 1.83 million people, are still grappling with the widespread flood conditions.
The national flood death toll has reached 80 since mid-September, with fatalities reported across various provinces.
Major regions like Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok report significant numbers of affected households, with hundreds of thousands still in trouble.