Bangkok: Dr. Yong Poovorawan, a prominent figure in the field of virology and a member of the Royal Academician, has expressed his frustration over continuous accusations related to his alleged involvement in vaccine procurement. Despite facing numerous attacks and criticisms over the past five years, Dr. Yong stated he has had no vested interests in vaccines.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Yong, who heads the Clinical Virology Center at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, took to his personal Facebook page to address these allegations. He emphasized his non-involvement in any vaccine procurement activities or in receiving any benefits as a vaccine representative. Dr. Yong noted that COVID-19 has evolved into a seasonal disease akin to the flu, with the number of coronaviruses now increasing from four to five, indicating a pattern similar to other respiratory illnesses.
Reflecting on his decades-long career in viral disease research, Dr. Yong recalled the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic when the lack of immunity led to severe illness. He likened the situation to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, which initially caused over 200 deaths in Thailand but has since become a common flu strain. Despite the challenges, Dr. Yong stated he consistently provided scientifically based information to the public and conducted urgent research without any conflicts of interest.
Dr. Yong also recounted facing severe accusations, including a call for his removal via a Change.org petition. He expressed disappointment over such actions, especially from medical personnel who violated their Hippocratic Oath. He shared an incident where he was invited to lecture newly graduated doctors, only to have the invitation rescinded over fears of negative reactions from students.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Yong remains steadfast in his belief that societal pressure on vaccine procurement led to unnecessary financial expenditures. He highlighted the positive impact of studies on inactivated vaccines and mixed vaccination regimens that informed global recommendations by the World Health Organization. Dr. Yong concluded by reflecting on the power of social media, noting its role in amplifying belief over factual accuracy and contributing to significant financial losses for the country.