Governor Ganjar Says Central Java Is Ready To Hold Booster Vaccinations

Photo illustration (Source: Antara)

JAKARTA - The central government plans to implement a booster vaccine or a third dose of vaccine in the near future. According to the plan, there are three options for the booster vaccination, namely the government program, recipients of BPJS Health contribution assistance (PBI), and independent or paid.

The Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, said that he would not implement a booster vaccine yet. It is still waiting for an official decision from the central government.

"Not yet, we are still waiting for the central decision. As soon as there is (the order) we are ready to carry it out," said Ganjar, in his statement, Monday, January 10.

Ganjar said that he could not confirm that the booster vaccine would be carried out on January 12, as stated by the central government. However, he said that his party had started to evaluate the available vaccine stock.

"We are dependent, looking at the condition of the vaccine as well. If the vaccine already exists and the order is dropped, actually many people are waiting," he said.

Regarding the achievement of vaccination in Central Java, Ganjar said that currently the first dose of vaccination has reached 82 percent. While the second dose of vaccination has reached 60 percent.

"We continue to push it, especially now that there is vaccination for children aged 6-11 years, so we can accelerate it," he concluded.

The government plans to carry out a third dose of vaccination or booster vaccine starting January 12. It took about 230 million doses to make this program a success.

Requirements for booster vaccine recipients are Indonesians over 18 years of age, having been vaccinated against the second dose for at least 6 months, living in a district/city that has met the criteria for the first dose of 70 percent of vaccination and 60 percent of the second dose.