Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Vaccine Ministry of Health, dr. Siti Nadia Tarmidzi said that until now, Indonesia is still waiting for permission to use the emergency COVID-19 vaccine from the BPOM. If the permit has been issued, vaccination can be implemented in stages in 34 provinces.
Vaccination for 15 months will take place in 2 periods, namely Period 1, which runs from January to April 2021 by prioritizing 1.3 million health workers and 17.4 million public officials in 34 provinces. Period 2 lasts for 11 months, from April 2021 to March 2022 to reach a population of up to 181.5 million people.
This at the same time clarifies the previous reports that it will take 3.5 years to complete vaccination in Indonesia. According to dr. Nadia, what is meant by 3.5 years is the projection of completion of vaccinations for the whole world, not for Indonesia. Before and during the vaccination process, the government continues to encourage the entire community to stick to strict health protocols.
Joint vaccines, the application of 3M discipline (Wearing Masks, Keeping distance, Washing hands) and strengthening 3T (Tracing, Testing, Treatment) are complete efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 effectively.
The highest appreciation is given to health workers and public officials and prioritizes them to become the first group with the government to receive vaccinations, “said dr. Nadia.
Vaccines are very important not only to protect health workers and public servants as individuals, but also to protect their families, patients’ families, and society at large.
“We really hope that with the vaccine, health workers, in particular, can go home immediately and meet their families,” he added.
Due to the importance of the vaccination process, the government is making every effort to provide safe and effective vaccines according to the advice of ITAGI, WHO, and experts, for all Indonesian people free of charge.
Source: Bureau of Communication and Community Services, Ministry of Health RI.
