HMFD Cases In Children Continue To Increase, Vaccination Can Be A Solution?

Illustration of HFMD in children (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Since the beginning of 2024, the number of cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) or better known as Singapore flu in Indonesia has experienced a significant spike, especially among children.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health, more than 6,500 children have been infected with HFMD. Meanwhile, the Early Alert and Response System (SKDR) recorded around 27,417 suspected cases of HFMD throughout 2024.

This disease, which is mainly caused by the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) virus, is easy to spread and target children aged 5 to 10 years.

The increase in the number of cases highlights the importance of preventive measures to protect children from infection. Given the increasing number, can vaccination be a solution?

dr. Kanya Ayu Paramastri, Sp.A, a pediatrician, said vaccination could be one of the preventive measures to prevent children from contracting HFMD.

Currently, the HFMD EV71 Vaccine is available to prevent HFMD infection caused by the EV71 virus. This vaccine has obtained permission from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).

Vaccination is also a preventive measure that can help protect against serious complications due to HFMD. This vaccine is also useful for reducing the risk of repeated infections that are more severe if exposed to other types of viruses.

"Vaccination can provide protection and reduce the risk of serious complications. In addition, vaccination also helps prevent repeated infections that can be more severe due to exposure to other types of viruses," explained dr. Kanya at the Media & Community Gathering event by PT Kalbe Farma Tbk through its subsidiary, PT Kalventis Sinergi Farma in Jakarta, recently.

He said the vaccine for HFMD is fairly safe and can be given since the baby is 6 months old. Protection from vaccination is also quite optimal because it can last up to 5 years after vaccination.

In addition to vaccination, Doctor Kanya also appealed to parents to adopt a healthy lifestyle in the home environment as a next prevention effort. For example, by getting used to children to maintain cleanliness which can start from always washing their hands before and after playing or eating.

Parents also need to understand to keep their hands clean, especially before preparing food, after changing diapers, and after using the toilet.

"The point is to maintain hygiene. Such as cleaning the surface, goods, and toys of children with soap and water, then disinfecting these items. If there are items that are difficult to clean or ineffective if they only use alcohol, it is advisable to use klorheksidin or hypoclorite solution of 0.5 percent," he added.

He also added that the side effects of this vaccine are similar to other vaccines and do not have a significant detrimental impact on the body.