Fourth COVID vaccine shot substantially reduces risk of pneumonitis and death

13 Sept 11:32 Key points summarised by AI

A fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose substantially minimizes the risk of severe lung inflammation (pneumonitis) requiring ventilation and associated death, according to a Thai assessment during the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variant surge.
The study found two doses reduce severe lung inflammation risk by 60% and death by 72%, while three doses boost this to 83% and 93% respectively; a fourth dose almost completely eliminates these serious outcomes.
Crucially, a fourth dose equalizes vaccine effectiveness for both younger and older individuals, overcoming the lower efficacy observed in those over 60 with fewer doses.
While booster doses don't prevent infection, they drastically reduce the risk of severe illness or death, with the third dose's effectiveness lasting up to six months.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Today 14:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Education Ministry is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address its students' below-average performance in PISA 2025 and tackle significant educational inequality.
The plan prioritizes closing performance gaps by increasing funding for small and low-income schools, overhauling the curriculum to foster critical thinking, and adopting a data-driven management system to reduce teacher workload.
Key initiatives include enhancing school safety, combating cyberbullying, and expanding mental health support through peer-to-peer networks, recognizing the severe impact of distress on academic performance.
An education expert advises verifying if PISA improvements stem from structural changes, advocating for a revived STEM curriculum with practical 'learn by doing' methods, and urging bureaucratic reform to link teacher evaluations to student development.