IDI: Monkeypox Vaccination For High-Risk People

PIXABAY ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - The Monkeypox Task Force for the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) explained that the monkeypox vaccination is intended for people who are at high risk of contracting the disease.

"Actually, basically this vaccine is not indicated for the general public, but for people who are indeed at high risk or for health workers," said Head of the Monkeypox IDI Task Force Hanny Nilasari as reported by ANTARA, Friday, August 26.

He explained that people who had direct contact with individuals who were confirmed to have monkeypox or fluids that were confirmed to contain the virus that caused the disease were classified as at high risk of contracting monkeypox.

According to him, monkeypox vaccination also needs to be carried out on people who are at risk of being infected with monkeypox, namely people who have been in the same room with monkeypox sufferers even though they do not have direct contact.

In addition, according to Hanny, vaccination is needed to protect health workers who will treat monkeypox patients.

Hanny explained that the Task Force was preparing the administration of vaccines and antivirals to overcome the transmission of monkeypox.

Previously, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the monkeypox vaccination would not be carried out on the entire community like the COVID-19 vaccination.

According to him, the monkeypox vaccination is planned for people who are at high risk of contracting it.

"This is because we keep the special segment given to those who may have a greater chance of being affected, especially those with low immunity," he said when delivering a press statement at the Presidential Palace, Tuesday (23/8).