PB IDI Asks Terawan Not To Claim The Archipelago Vaccine

Former Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto (Photo: Irfan Meidianto)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the COVID-19 Task Force for the Executive Board of the Indonesian Doctors Association (PB IDI) Zubairi Djoerban spoke about the Nusantara Vaccine developed by former Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto.

He asked Terawan not to claim the origin of the vaccine's efficacy and asked for evidence of claims that had been submitted to the public.

According to him, the claim for the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine must be proven by clinical trials. Meanwhile, the current Nusantara Vaccine has only gone through one phase. So, in order to prevent confusion in the community, Zubairi asked that this kind of claim must be accompanied by scientific evidence.

"The archipelago vaccine is claimed to create lifelong antibodies. Where is the evidence? There is no data on the second phase of clinical trials, let alone phase three. So, if you want to talk about claims, of course you have to use data. It must be with evidence based medicine. Don't confuse the public," he said. via his Twitter account, @ProfesorZubairi, as quoted by VOI on Friday, February 19.

Zubairi said he fully supports eradication efforts such as vaccines. However, he asked for evidence or data from the efficacy claims mentioned by Terawan regarding the Nusantara Vaccine so that the public would not be noisy.

This is because until now world experts have never carelessly mentioned that antibodies from existing vaccines such as Moderna, Sinovac, or Pfizer can last a certain time.

"There is no claim they convey that the antibodies from these vaccines can last six months, one year, let alone a lifetime," he said.

"Once again, I support eradication efforts, such as vaccines. But show the data to the public. Let me not be rowdy. The influenza vaccine alone lasts for about a year because it is affected by the virus mutation," he added.

Previously reported, the Nusantara Vaccine was developed by Terawan since he served as Minister of Health before being replaced by Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

He said the results of clinical trials of domestic vaccines were going well. In fact, the vaccine is claimed to be personal and can be used by all groups, including those with comorbids (comorbidities).

In the process of making this Indonesian vaccine, said Terawan, it must go through an incubation process for approximately 7 days. Until later it will become an individual or personal vaccine.

He also claims this vaccine will provide immunity for a long time. Because, this vaccine uses blood serum ingredients from each individual.