Mix and match vaccinations can boost immunity effectively, faster - Dr. Yong

13 Sept 15:45 Key points summarised by AI

Prominent Thai virologist Dr. Yong Poovorawan advocates for "Mix and Match" COVID-19 vaccination, combining a whole virus vaccine (e.g., Sinovac) with a vector vaccine (e.g., AstraZeneca) to significantly boost immunity faster and more effectively.
This approach, particularly Sinovac followed by AstraZeneca, accelerates immunity development to six weeks, compared to 12 weeks for two vector doses, and a third AstraZeneca shot after two Sinovac doses achieves very high antibody levels.
Studies indicate the "Mix and Match" method offers 95-99% virus inhibition and has reported no severe side effects among recipients, supporting its adoption by Thailand's health authorities to optimize resources and combat variants like Delta.
While the WHO initially cautioned against individuals deciding on mixed doses, it clarified that public health agencies can implement such strategies based on available scientific data.

Uthenthawai students and alumni declare truce with Pathumwan rivals

Yesterday 20:34 Key points summarised by AI

Uthenthawai students and alumni have pledged to cease violent clashes with Pathumwan Institute rivals, coinciding with their campus's reopening after a 90-day closure.
The Minister of Higher Education is mediating the long-running conflict, while the campus closure has significantly disrupted in-person classes and laboratory work for over 1,000 students.
Uthenthawai resists relocation from its current site, citing a historical land grant from King Rama VI, despite Chulalongkorn University's plans to reclaim the land for an educational hub.
Concerns are mounting over the legality of the campus closure, its detrimental impact on uninvolved students, and the potential commercial development of the land, which critics argue contradicts the late King Rama VI's intentions.