As Many As 93 Rohingya Immigrants In Lhokseumawe Aceh Take The First Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccination

Health workers are checking the health of Rohingya immigrants who will be vaccinated against COVID-19 in Lhokseumawe City (ANTARA)

ACEH - As many as 93 of the 105 Rohingya Muslim immigrants who were accommodated in a temporary refugee camp at the Work Training Center (BLK) of Lhokseumawe City, Aceh Province took the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"A total of 93 Rohingya immigrants underwent the first dose of vaccination," said Lhokseumawe City Rohingya Refugee Task Force Spokesperson Marzuki in Lhokseumawe, Antara, Tuesday, January 11.

Meanwhile, the other 12 refugees cannot be vaccinated because they are under 12 years old. There are also refugees who are sick, so the vaccination of the 12 immigrants is waiting for the medical team's instructions.

Marzuki said the COVID-19 vaccination of Rohingya immigrants who had previously been floating in the Malacca Strait was in collaboration between the Lhokseumawe City Health Service and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

"The quarantine period for the Rohingya immigrants ended on Monday, January 10. And today they are vaccinated. Regarding their relocation, we are still waiting for a decision from the center," said Marzuki.

IOM Indonesia Communications Media Ariani Hasanah Soejoeti said that her party facilitated the COVID-19 vaccination program for 93 Rohingya immigrants who took refuge in temporary shelters in Lhokseumawe City.

“This vaccination program is supported by the Lhokseumawe City Government. They were injected with the first dose of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, the administration of the second dose of vaccine will be further coordinated," he said.

Ariani said the COVID-19 vaccine was the most effective way to prevent the transmission and spread of the virus and to keep each individual safe and healthy. Therefore, he said, IOM appreciates the response from the Lhokseumawe City Government which has opened access to COVID-19 vaccinations for the Rohingya immigrants.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, he said, IOM has been working closely with the Health Service and hospitals in Indonesia to strengthen the government's efforts in tackling COVID-19.

"We are also partnering to support the availability of vaccinations for all members of the community, including foreign refugees in Indonesia," said Ariani Hasanah Soejoeti.