The Number Of COVID Vaccinations For Pregnant Women Is Still Low, Ministry Of Health: Many Rejections

Illustration of pregnant woman. (Unsplash/freestocks)

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Vaccination of the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) Siti Nadia Tarmizi said providing education regarding COVID-19 vaccination to pregnant women is still a challenge in order to expand the current vaccination coverage.

"This is also still a challenge. There is still resistance from women and pregnant women, so this is a challenge when we talk about vaccination," said Nadia in the Save Indonesian Women Webinar which was attended in Jakarta, Antara, Wednesday, December 22.

Based on data from the Ministry of Health, until now the number of pregnant women who have received the new vaccine is 30.000 people. In fact, the government has brought in 11 brands of vaccines for the public, including pregnant women as a priority group for vaccination.

According to Nadia, the low vaccination rate is due to the refusal of pregnant women or their families.

"Well, is it true that there are still many pregnant women who have not received vaccinations, or are they delaying getting vaccinated after the birth of their children," said Nadia.

Furthermore, he said that unfortunately the refusal also occurred when vaccinating for hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis.

Therefore, the government has begun to take a structural approach by collaborating with relevant ministries and institutions, including organizations close to the community, to disseminate information and strengthen communication systems to provide an understanding of the importance of vaccines for the body.

Nadia hopes that the socialization provided can prevent maternal deaths from COVID-19 and other diseases. Thus, the family will not feel the unexpected impact while avoiding irresponsible hoaxes.

"Including how the involvement of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics at the sub-district level in disseminating vaccinations. It seems that most people are familiar with the COVID-19 vaccination," she said.