The Government Is Asked To Make A Study On COVID-19 Booster Vaccines For Children 6-15 Years

JAKARTA - The government is urged to examine the effect of giving a third or booster dose of vaccine for children aged 6-15 years following the trend of increasing active cases. Currently, new boosters may be given to children aged 16-18 years.

"Efforts to provide booster vaccines for children aged 16-18 years have been good, but the DPR asks the government to also review the provision of boosters for children aged 6-15 years considering that currently children are actively returning to school and there is an increase in COVID-19 cases," said the House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani in a written statement, Thursday, August 4.

Puan said that boosters need to be given to children to increase the level of protection against the Coronavirus. Puan also mentioned the findings of a number of cases in the school environment that should be watched out for.

“Although strict health protocols have been implemented during face-to-face learning, the potential for spread remains. Therefore, the immunity of school-age children should be considered to be given a booster," she said.

The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has just inaugurated the administration of the COVID-19 booster vaccine to children aged 16-18 years using the Pfizer or Comirnaty vaccine. Tightening of childhood vaccination doses I and II have also been carried out.

Even so, Puan reminded that children aged 6-15 years also have a vulnerability to COVID-19 attacks. He said that Indonesia could look in the mirror from Singapore, which will soon provide booster vaccinations for children aged 5-11 years.

“In fact, Singapore is also targeting vaccinations for children aged 6 months and over by the end of this year. Indonesia also needs to speed up the study of the same thing because at this time toddlers are the last group that has not been protected by the COVID-19 vaccine," said Puan.

The DPR hopes that all children in Indonesia, especially those who are already in school, can be protected by vaccines so that their safety from the virus is guaranteed. Moreover, said Puan, mobility and community activities have now started to rise again.

"That way, parents will no longer feel anxious, especially when they let their children study at school because they already have immunity from the vaccine," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan understands that the Government is trying to pursue booster vaccination coverage for the general category. In addition, the second booster vaccination program or the 4th dose for health workers has also started.

"But seeing that the vaccination coverage for children is already quite high, we also need to consider giving a booster for children so that they can live their days more safely," said Puan.

The grandson of the Proclaimer of the Republic of Indonesia Bung Karno said that children were forced to do more activities at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Puan assessed, this certainly has an impact on the growth and development of children, especially for children who have potential outside formal schools.

"We also have to look at the social aspect where children also need to interact with their friends and relatives so that their psychosocial growth develops well," he explained.

"Hopefully with a complete vaccination, Indonesian children can still be healthy and achieve," concluded Puan.