Minister Of Health: Booster Vaccination Can Prevent Death In The Elderly

ILLUSTRATION BETWEEN

PONTIANAK - Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin reminded the elderly in Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan to immediately get a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination. Boosters are said to be able to reduce the risk of illness and death by up to 20 percent.

"Even if those who have had booster vaccinations still get COVID-19, they will not be at risk of being hospitalized or dying. For that, I urge the elderly to get booster vaccinations immediately," said Budi Gunadi Sadikin while attending the COVID-19 Vaccination Festival. 19 Happy Elderly in Kubu Raya Regency reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 9.

The Minister of Health said that those who have not received booster vaccinations are 20 times more likely to be hospitalized until they die.

"So on this occasion I only remind two things, immediately vaccinate and don't forget to always wear a mask," he said.

The Minister of Health added that the elderly are very vulnerable to being exposed to COVID-19. Data shows that 60 percent of COVID-19 patients who died were elderly.

"So when you come to family gatherings, don't forget to remind each other, take care of health procedures and get vaccinated immediately. I am very happy to see that elderly parents in Kubu Raya who are present here are all healthy, hopefully we will always get health," he said.

Meanwhile, the Regent of Kubu Raya Muda Mahendrawan said he was happy, because the Elderly Vaccination Festival held in the area was attended by the Minister of Health.

"When the COVID-19 vaccination was announced last year, the minister also came here and now he is back. Hopefully this can make people more enthusiastic about participating in the COVID-19 vaccination," said Muda.

In addition to the COVID-19 Vaccination Festival for Happy Elderly, the regent also held various activities, including rhymes and poetry readings for the elderly, healthy exercise competitions for the elderly and several other agendas.

"We have also prepared prizes for the first 200 registrants and many other door prizes for elderly vaccination participants. This shows our seriousness in protecting the elderly from the threat of COVID-19 that still lurks us," said Muda.

Meanwhile, Head of the Kubu Raya Health Office Marijan said that until August 8, 2022, 79 percent of the elderly in Kubu Raya had received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination and 33 percent of the second dose.

"Hopefully our vaccination achievements for the elderly and other ages can be fulfilled soon. We urge the people of Kubu Raya to immediately get the COVID-19 vaccination," said Marijan.