DPR asks for expansion of measles immunization for adults following the death of a young doctor in Cianjur

Member of Commission IX of the DPR, Neng Eem Marhamah Zulfa, highlighted the sad news of the death of a young doctor due to complications from measles in Cianjur, West Java. He asked the government, especially the Ministry of Health, to immediately overhaul the national immunization strategy by requiring measles vaccination for the adult group, especially medical personnel who are on the front lines.

Neng Eem emphasized that the death of AMW (26), a doctor internship (internship), must be a turning point for the Ministry of Health to no longer take the risk of transmission of measles in adults lightly.

"We are very sad. This incident is a very serious wake-up call. This disease can no longer be taken lightly because it has been proven to lead to fatal complications. The government must accelerate immunization for adults, especially medical personnel as the front line," Neng Eem told reporters, Monday, March 30.

According to Neng Eem, the national immunization program has been almost entirely focused on children. However, he said, high mobility and intensive interaction of medical personnel with patients make them the most vulnerable group and potentially become super-spreaders if they do not have enough immunity.

In fact, said Neng Eem, data showed a worrying situation until the end of February 2025 alone, 45 Extraordinary Events (KLB) of measles had been recorded in 29 regencies/cities with more than 8,300 confirmed cases.

"Medical personnel every day bet their lives against infectious infections. Ensuring that they get complete and periodic immunizations is not only about individual protection, but a crucial step in preventing transmission within health service facilities," he explained.

The PKB legislator from the West Java District also reminded that the low immunization coverage outside the age group of children would continue to undermine the resilience of the national health system. Without strengthening herd immunity in the adult group, he said, the potential for outbreaks in the workplace and public facilities will continue to haunt Indonesia.

Therefore, Neng Eem asked the government to immediately remap and expand access to adult measles vaccination in all provinces affected by KLB.

"Low immunization coverage has a direct impact on national resilience. We must not allow this heartbreaking incident to happen again. Immunization must be expanded, now," he said.