Unprotected and at Risk: The Alarming Reality of 608 Vulnerable Groups Still in Danger from Covid – Why Vaccines Remain a Lifesaver

medical specialist Concerned that 608 vulnerable groups are at risk of dying from Covid. Suggesting that vaccines are still necessary

Associate Professor Dr. Phirun Mutsikaphan, president of the Infectious Diseases Association of Thailand, revealed that the COVID epidemic is still at a high rate. From the beginning of 2024 to September 16, 2024, more than 700,000 people have been infected, requiring more than 48,000 hospital admissions and 205 deaths, considered the highest statistic of infections and deaths in Southeast Asia

From group 608 when sick with Covid They are 2 to 3 times more likely to become seriously ill and 2 to 10 times more likely to die, compared to young people or those without comorbidities. Not only will the symptoms become more severe if infected. But it also affects the pathological state from which the patient suffers. Due to COVID-19 It is not just a respiratory disease.

But it is a disease that can manifest itself in many organs. Because the infection can spread throughout the body. It causes complications to various organ systems such as the formation of blood clots. Myocarditis, heart failure, and kidney failure increase the risk of death.

For kidney patients infected with COVID They attack various organs. Including the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste from the body. Covid19 virus Destroys kidney cells and stimulates inflammation of the kidneys. Reduce the efficiency of the kidneys. Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs, so medical experts strongly recommend that vulnerable patients should get a vaccine that will help reduce the severity. It can reduce the mortality rate

Professor Dr. Sasisopin Kiattiburanakul A representative of the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand said that the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is still needed due to COVID-19. There are constant mutations that cause disease in people who have been vaccinated or were infected a long time ago. Existing immunity may not protect against disease.

Especially in risk groups. Therefore it is necessary to receive the booster vaccine. Current data shows that the effectiveness of the booster vaccine is about 60-70% in preventing severe disease and death. Whereas the risk of serious illness and death increases many times in this group of people. This further demonstrates the importance of vaccines in reducing the disease burden in this patient group.

Mr. Thanaphon Dokkaew, representative of Citizens Network for Health Rights, Patients Group, Health Forum and Kidney Friends Association of Thailand, said he is a chronic kidney disease patient who has worked strongly on the rights and well-being of patients. for a long time He is a person who has direct experience with patients suffering from kidney disease. they have little immunity There are easily complications from the disease.

When you are infected with COVID, there is a chance of becoming more seriously ill than the general population. Especially for patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease who are on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or who have received a kidney transplant. If you are infected with COVID-19, the mortality rate is as high as 30-40%. Therefore, Khun Suea dedicates her heart and soul to vulnerable patients. Receiving government assistance in areas that patients are unable to manage or take responsibility for themselves.

Thanaphon said the government should focus on health promotion and COVID prevention. with booster vaccine Especially for groups of people with chronic diseases and people at risk. Most patient groups have been cautious since the COVID outbreak. It is to protect ourselves as doctors and experts advise, which we can do too.

But protecting yourself with the vaccine is beyond our capabilities. Therefore, I would like to appeal to those with relevant duties to help consider and provide sufficient vaccines for people. Although for some people the vaccine may not be necessary, But there is still a need for people with chronic diseases and people at risk.

The government sector should focus on health promotion and prevention of COVID-19. Supporting the booster vaccine Especially for people with chronic diseases. We currently face problems: 1. Inaccessibility of services Not having access to the vaccine

2. If you have access, you need to take out a loan. I had to go bankrupt to get medicine If the government sector sees the importance and wants the quality of life of Thai people to be good. I want patients’ quality of life to be good. Reduce the risk of serious illness to the point of requiring hospitalization. If infected with Covid 1, you need to go to hospital for 7-14 days. How much does medical care cost, including medicines, doctor’s fees and medical equipment? This is a lot of money compared to cheaper vaccines.