Japan stops use of 1.63 million Moderna doses over contamination

14 Sept 17:11 Key points summarised by AI

Japan halted the use of 1.63 million Moderna COVID-19 vaccine doses following reports of contamination (foreign substances) found in several unopened vials.
Drugmaker Takeda, responsible for Moderna's distribution in Japan, suspended three specific batches and requested an urgent investigation from Moderna, with Japanese media indicating the batches were produced in Spain.
While no health concerns have been reported from affected doses, officials are taking precautionary measures, advising individuals to consult physicians if they experience any abnormalities.
The health ministry is working with Takeda to secure alternative doses to avoid disruptions to Japan's vaccination program, which is critical amidst a record surge in virus cases driven by the Delta variant.

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.