The COVID-19 vaccine is the hope of the whole world because it is an option for survival to help us get through this COVID crisis.
From the previous episode, the admin took us all to get to know Thammasat Field Hospital, which is the first field hospital and a model for field hospitals in our country. From the interview of Asst. Prof. Dr. Chatchai Mingmalairak, Director of Thammasat Field Hospital, it shows the importance and necessity of building a field hospital, including the dedication of medical personnel and all officers who join hands and work together with unity to fight against a serious disease like COVID-19 this time.
We also learned about the readiness to cope with COVID-19 and the timely adjustment of the operating model of Thammasat Field Hospital to be consistent and appropriate with the situation.
And now, the admin will take everyone to learn and understand about “vaccines”, which are like the hope of people all over the world. But due to limited time, the issue of vaccines is still being debated about the effectiveness of vaccines imported by Thailand and the effects of symptoms after receiving the vaccine. So in this article, we will answer everyone’s doubts through an interview with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phruhat To-udom, Director of Thammasat University Hospital.
First batch of 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phruehat To-udom told us that after the COVID-19 vaccine was introduced to Thailand, Thammasat University Hospital was assigned to vaccinate everyone, with a target of 600 people per day. If we follow this target, we will be able to vaccinate more than 70% of the country. The vaccine to be administered to everyone will arrive around March-April, totaling 2 million doses, and Thammasat University Hospital will start working on this target immediately.
The first round of vaccines received by Thammasat University Hospital consisted of 1,200 doses, which were to be administered to approximately 600 medical personnel, an average of 2 doses per person. The second round of vaccinations will be 2-4 weeks after the first round of vaccinations.
The first COVID-19 vaccine that Thailand imported was the Sinovac vaccine from China. It is an inactivated vaccine (i.e., a dead virus is produced as a vaccine). At present (referring to the date of the interview, March 1, 2021), there are many other brands of COVID-19 vaccines that have been administered to more than 220 million people worldwide. This gives us a lot of medical data on complications or symptoms after receiving various brands of vaccines. In the near future, we will know which vaccines are most effective, have the fewest side effects, and which ones are most suitable for us. All of us Thais will have more choices.
Monitor symptoms for 30 minutes after vaccination.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phruehat To-udom said that normally, general vaccines that we used to use must undergo clinical testing for more than ten years in order to make the medical profession confident in the management and control of complications or side effects after receiving various vaccines. Symptoms will be monitored for 24 hours after receiving the vaccine, but patients can return home to live a normal life. If there are any abnormalities, they can return to see a doctor at the hospital.
“Time is a limitation. When there is less time for testing, there are bound to be side effects.”
But for the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s different. Because we have a very limited time for clinical testing, it has been specially approved. Therefore, doctors are concerned about severe allergic reactions. For example, symptoms such as low blood pressure, shortness of breath, or, in the worst case, cardiac arrest.
In addition, there are also mild symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, and itching. These symptoms require observation for 30 minutes after vaccination. The hospital must therefore prepare a place for people to sit and wait while observing the symptoms. This is because if the vaccinated person has any abnormal symptoms, the hospital will be able to provide immediate treatment. This also ensures the safety of all vaccinated people.
Doctor Ready
“Mor Prom” is an application that helps track the symptoms of all vaccinated people. Those who have been vaccinated must register via the Mor Prom application. There will be a follow-up on symptoms and complications that may occur to collect medical information for Thais who have been vaccinated. It will also be a channel for contacting to inquire about life or various questions, allowing those who have been vaccinated to receive news and information and get answers to questions from doctors conveniently and quickly.
In addition, Mor Prom can also benefit Thailand in the future because if Thailand imports other vaccine brands, Mor Prom will collect data on the efficacy assessment of each vaccine brand. This will let us know which vaccine brand is most suitable for Thailand overall.
Because prevention is more important than cure.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phruet told us that in reality, the medical profession prioritizes prevention over treatment. For example, in the case of COVID-19, many people have come out to question that:
“Why do people have to be so crowded? Why do medicines have to be so expensive? Why do healthcare costs have to increase so much?”
It is because of failure in prevention. The more medical knowledge people have, the better they will learn to prevent. So if everyone has knowledge and understanding about medicine, it will be very good because everyone will learn to prevent and there will not be failures in preventing the spread of COVID-19 like now.
“Thank you to all hospital personnel, both those directly involved and all supporters.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phruet also thanked all medical personnel, whether they are doctors, nurses, or supporters in the management of Thammasat University Hospital, because everyone is united, has the intention and determination to achieve the goals set by the hospital. Everyone has a part in overcoming the COVID-19 crisis and has also helped Thammasat University Hospital grow and move forward to another level.
Conclusion
We all must have seen the determination of the great “mission” of all medical personnel and related officers of Thammasat University Hospital.
These things show the great heart of all the staff that not only treat and be done with it, but also build confidence in vaccination, take care of side effects and complications that may occur, and have the foresight to evaluate the results to find the most effective vaccine for Thai people in the future.
Admin thinks that prevention would not be possible if only the medical team tried to protect us from COVID-19. We can do these preventions by ourselves as well.
“Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, avoid traveling to risk areas, and eat cooked food.”
This is all we can do to help prevent COVID-19. Not just protecting ourselves, but also protecting society and the country. Because of this COVID-19 crisis, “We will survive together.”
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Follow the story behind the crisis and the actions of medical personnel at Thammasat University Hospital in dealing with the COVID situation in the program Unmask Story, stories behind the masks of medical personnel at Thammasat University Hospital.
Herd Immunity Mission | Thammasat University Hospital
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