It's Impossible To Stay At Home Because Of The COVID-19 Pandemic, Coordinating Minister For Human Development And Culture Encourages Vaccination For Children Under 12 Years

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy interacting with children during his visit (Photo: Public Relations of Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy encourages the provision of COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 6-11 years. This is done to minimize people's worries when they return to school.

"Although the decision and authority lies with the technical ministry, in this case, the Ministry of Health, vaccination of children aged 6-11 years is necessary, especially in areas prone to transmission and spread of COVID-19," said Muhadjir in his written statement, Thursday, November 18.

The former Minister of Education and Culture (Mendikbud) said that vaccination of children under the age of 12 should be carried out. Moreover, face-to-face learning has now started so that they have to do activities outside the home.

Not only that, Muhadjir said, vaccinations must also be carried out because children in that age range cannot continue to be asked to stay at home. "We're just being realistic," he said.

"It is impossible for a child to be restrained and stay at home all the time. Regarding vaccine safety, the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has issued a vaccine permit for children 6-11 years old, so God willing, it is safe," added Muhadjir.

Currently, the government continues to boost the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination in the country. The target of providing vaccines now includes health workers, the elderly, public officials, the vulnerable, and the general public, as well as groups of children aged 12-17 years.

As for the vaccination of children aged 6 years and over, the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) has issued a recommendation.

Not only that, an emergency use authorization (UAE) for Sinovac vaccines for children aged 6-11 years has been issued by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).