Measles Cases Increase, Nakes Are Prioritized to Receive Vaccines

Director General of Pharmaceuticals and Health Equipment of the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) Lucia Rizka Andalusia in Jakarta, Wednesday (8/4/2026). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Measles vaccination for health workers (nakes) is an important step amid the increasing cases in a number of regions.

As the front line in medical services, health workers have a high risk of exposure to the virus, especially during Extraordinary Events (KLB). Therefore, vaccination not only protects health workers, but also prevents wider transmission in health service facilities.

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) prioritizes measles vaccination for 39,212 medical personnel and 223,150 health workers in 14 areas with the highest cases. This policy is aimed at protecting vulnerable adult groups, especially those who interact directly with patients.

"Then it is also added with 28,321 general practitioners and dentists who are interns throughout Indonesia," said the Director General of Pharmaceuticals and Health Equipment of the Ministry of Health, Lucia Rizka Andalusia, in Jakarta, Wednesday.

He explained that the measles vaccine has actually become a mandatory immunization for children, with three stages of administration, namely at the age of 9 months, 18 months, and a booster dose when children sit in class 1 elementary school.

However, as KLB emerged in several areas, the government took additional steps through Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI), namely special immunizations in areas with a surge in cases.

"Well, of course with the existence of this KLB, the potential for transmission to high-risk people in this case, the health workers, who mainly work directly with patients, experience a high risk related to this transmission," said Lucia Rizka.

As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Health also appreciates the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) which has granted permission to expand the indication of the measles vaccine produced by Bio Farma for adults. This step allows vaccination for health workers to be carried out more widely immediately.

"Currently, the availability of MR vaccines used for government programs is around 9.8 million doses throughout Indonesia. The level of availability when measured is around 5.5 months," he said.

The availability and quality of vaccines are continuously monitored in real-time through the Electronic Immunization and Logistics Monitoring System (SMILE), from the central level to health facilities such as health centers.

The Ministry of Health will also coordinate with local governments to ensure that vaccination is carried out optimally, especially for health workers as a priority group.

On the same occasion, Lucia reminded the importance of early measles immunization in children. With complete vaccination, children are expected to have long-term protection, although cases of children who have not received a thorough immunization are still found.

Therefore, parents and guardians are urged to immediately complete the child's immunization status without delay, to prevent the risk of transmission and more serious health impacts.