Third Dose Vaccination, You Can't Choose The Type Of Booster Vaccine Brand

ILLUSTRATION ANTARA

JAKARTA - Government Spokesperson for COVID-19 and Ambassador for the Adaptation of New Habits, Reisa Broto Asmoro, emphasized that the public cannot choose the type of vaccine brand that will be used as the next booster vaccine.

“Actually, there are already guidelines, so we can't choose vaccine brands. There are already regulations from government agencies or experts who have carried out related research regarding the types of doses involved," said Reisa, quoted by Antara, Monday, January 17.

Reisa said there are five vaccines that can be used as a booster by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). Among them are Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, and Zivifax which have obtained permits for use in emergency conditions (EUA).

Where each type has been regulated based on the results of research by BPOM and experts based on the dose of each vaccine, so people cannot choose each type.

The booster vaccine will be divided into two types, namely homologous and heterologous. In this case, homologous, the vaccine given is the same as the primary vaccine or the person's first and second doses.

Meanwhile, in heterologous, the booster vaccine is given differently from the primary vaccine. She gave an example, if a person has a history of primary vaccines using Sinovac, the recommended homologue can use Sinovac again in full doses or as heterologous, using Pfizer in half doses or AstraZeneca in half doses.

Reisa explained that the various types of booster vaccines available can change at any time because they are adjusted to the current stock.

"So it depends on availability based on stock. But later if it changes again, it turns out that next month or two months what are available are different in the community, that's okay. The important thing is to follow the guidelines that have been approved by the BPOM guidelines," she said.

Reisa asked the public not to procrastinate or wait for an existing type of vaccine so that the antibodies that run out can be regenerated immediately.

Therefore, it is hoped that all parties can immediately complete their vaccine doses or go to the nearest health facility when they have received an E-ticket for a booster.

Reisa also asked the public to invite and accompany children aged 6-11 years and over, to immediately get the COVID-19 vaccine. It aims so that children can carry out face-to-face learning (PTM) with more protection and confidence.

"This is very important to do because this is our joint effort, so that Indonesia can get out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who haven't been vaccinated, let's get vaccinated immediately, including those who can get further vaccinations according to the criteria for remembering 18 years and over for the booster," she said.