The Public Is Urged To Immediately Take A Booster Vaccine When Registered

Illustration/Antara

JAKARTA - Minister of Communication and Information (Menkominfo) Johnny G. Plate, appealed to the public to continue to participate in the success of the COVID-19 vaccine booster program by immediately receiving injections after knowing they were registered with PeduliLindungi.

The COVID-19 vaccine delivery program began nationally on Wednesday, January 12, and is expected to protect the public from the mutated and spreading SARS-CoV-2 variant, namely Omicron.

"Immediately carry out a booster vaccination for those who have had the opportunity," said Johnny G. Plate in a written statement, quoted by Antara, Friday, January 14.

The third dose of COVID-19 vaccine is confirmed to be able to maintain the level of immunity, extend the period of protection, and control transmission of the virus that developed in the last two years.

Given that the spread of the Omicron mutation variant is still threatening, it is hoped that the administration of a vaccine booster can prevent the next wave of cases from happening.

"We continue to massively educate the public so that understanding of the importance of the benefits of this booster vaccination is wider," said Johnny.

Public awareness and understanding are very much needed in supporting the booster vaccine program and it is hoped that the majority of the community will welcome this advanced vaccination program in Indonesia.

In the results of the latest South East Asia (SEA) Ahead 5th wave survey announced by the global research company, Ipsos, it is known that 63 percent of Indonesians say it is important to get a booster vaccination.

As for the desire to get a booster vaccination, the majority of Indonesians who have been vaccinated against the first and second doses (85 percent) have expressed a desire to get a booster vaccine if it is provided by the government free of charge.

Still referring to the same scientific report, it was also found that 62 percent of the Indonesian people agreed to make vaccination a condition for carrying out public activities.

In addition, through the results of the latest Ipsos survey, it is also known that more Indonesians express discomfort in interacting with people who are not or have not been vaccinated compared to other countries.

46 percent of Indonesians completely avoid it, and don't even interact with people who haven't been vaccinated at all.

"Hopefully these good results will also be reflected in the implementation of booster vaccinations in the field," Johnny hoped.

The government through the Ministry of Health has issued a Circular No. HK.02.02/II/252/2022 regarding the Advanced Dose (Booster) COVID-19 Vaccination.

The SE is addressed to the provincial, district, and hospital directors in Indonesia to carry out booster vaccinations in accordance with the direction of the central government.

"Through solid cooperation from all parties, especially the active participation of the community, we hope that booster vaccination can be carried out properly in order to optimize protection. With the level of contagion being more controlled, people's activities can be more productive, the economy will rise faster," said Johnny.