Ministry Of Health: Let's Maintain This Good Condition, Lest We Have To Pull The Emergency Brake Again For COVID-19

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Vaccination of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, stated that the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the valuable discoveries of the world of science that needs to be immediately utilized by the wider community.

"Vaccine is one of the valuable findings of the world of science, so people are asked not to hesitate and not be afraid to participate in vaccinations," said Siti Nadia Tarmizi when delivering a PPKM press release on KPCPEN YouTube which was followed from Jakarta, reported by Antara, Wednesday, November 11.

Even though they have been vaccinated and the pandemic situation is getting better, Nadia reminded residents to maintain health protocols to avoid a spike in cases.

She said vaccination remains one of the important efforts that need to be prioritized by the community along with testing, tracking, and isolation efforts as well as compliance with health protocols.

"If we compare our data with global data for vaccination, Indonesia is ranked fifth for the number of people who received at least one dose of vaccination and also from the number of doses given," she said.

In addition, Indonesia can also ensure the availability of vaccines for the country amid the limited availability of vaccines at the global level, Nadia added.

As for vaccination achievements, she said that currently, 21 provincial capitals have reached the target of more than 70 percent in November.

For children's vaccination, said Nadia, starting in regencies/cities that have reached the target dose of more than 70 percent of the total target and more than 60 percent of the elderly population.

The government plans to start vaccinating children in 2022. "Considering that there are 26.4 million children aged 6-11 years in Indonesia, 58.7 million doses are needed for two injections," she said.

Meanwhile, for the booster vaccine, according to Nadia, it is estimated that it will start in January 2022. “According to ITAGI's recommendations, currently Indonesia needs to prioritize the fulfillment of complete COVID-19 vaccination coverage in the general population. Boosters can be done after more than 50 percent of the target is fully vaccinated starting with priority in the elderly," she said.

According to Nadia, giving boosters to the elderly group based on risk factor considerations and is expected to start in January 2022 when 50 percent of the target has been fully vaccinated.

Nadia also advised the public that the current relaxation policy for various activities must be handled wisely.

"We all have to be selective in choosing activities that are prioritized by prioritizing health protocols so that we can remain healthy and productive," she said.

Health protocols when mobility increases, said Nadia, can provide an opportunity for the virus to develop and mutate.

For managers of public places, she also appealed to carry out strict supervision during operational hours to avoid crowds and health protocol violations.

“To the whole community, let's maintain this good condition lest we have to pull the emergency brake again. Stay disciplined with health protocols and immediately access vaccines with any type of vaccine available," she said.