The campaign aims to raise public awareness and emphasise the importance of immunity during the COVID-19 period. Despite the downgrade of COVID-19 to a communicable disease under surveillance in Thailand, the disease is still contagious and must be controlled, through booster vaccination or other means such as antibody combination or LAAB (Long-acting Antibody).
This is especially vital in vulnerable populations, notably the immunocompromised or those who are unable to develop an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccines. These patients are at high risk and affected more severely than the general population. The administration of antibody combination can help protect against severe symptoms and death while enabling the patients to go about their daily lives happily.
James Teague, Country President, AstraZeneca (Thailand) Ltd., said: "The 'Safeguard Our Cherished Moments' campaign demonstrates AstraZeneca's continued commitment to making health happen for Thai people throughout and after the pandemic. Despite recent easing of restrictions, many people remain at risk of poor outcomes from severe COVID-19 infections, particularly the immunocompromised or those who may not be adequately protected by vaccination alone. Therefore, we aim to raise awareness about the need to enhance immunity, including through the use of antibody combinations, to help the vulnerable groups around us, thus creating a better understanding of how to safeguard our loved ones as we learn to live with COVID-19."
To build public awareness, the campaign highlights stories about the significance of COVID-19 immunisation through both offline and online communications platforms.
Two short films entitled 'Safeguard Our Cherished Moments' are released as a part of the campaign to tell the stories of immunocompromised patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Chronic Kidney Disease. These patients are unable to go out and live a relatively normal life because they may not respond adequately to COVID-19 vaccines due to the immunodeficiency or immunosuppressive medications. As a result, they are at greater risk than others to become infected and develop severe symptoms of COVID-19.
The short films not only raise awareness of the impact of COVID-19 on at-risk patients in society but also emphasize the importance of enhancing immunity among vulnerable populations and immunocompromised patients in order for them to live their daily lives confidently.
About LAAB (Long-acting Antibody)
LAAB (Long-acting Antibody), is often known as an antibody combination. It has been granted conditional marketing approval for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in Thailand with mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) or immunocompromised patients. After giving LAAB (IM injection) at the gluteal muscle, the immune system can respond within 6 hours. Accordingly, LAAB can address the unmet needs for boosting immunity in vulnerable populations who are unable to respond or respond inadequately to COVID-19 vaccines.
The Ministry of Public Health has issued LAAB guidelines for pre-exposure prophylaxis (prevention) of COVID-19 in the target populations, including patients with end-stage renal disease, patients who have received organ transplants, patients with blood cancer or other types of organ cancers, patients who have received immunosuppressive medications, people aged 60 and older who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19, people aged 70 and older who were last vaccinated against COVID-19 more than 6 months ago, as well as people with 7 chronic diseases who have not been vaccinated or have been vaccinated against COVID-19 more than 6 months prior. Patients who are eligible for LAAB under Ministry of Public Health criteria shall notify their treating physician so that the doctor can examine and further process the request.
For more information about antibody combinations and to view the stories of "Safeguard Our Cherished Moments" short film, please click https://bit.ly/3uQ7P0c
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on Twitter @AstraZeneca.
Source: AstraZeneca