The COVID-19 Task Force Called The Second Vaccination Time Interval For The Elderly 28 Days

Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the Task Force (Task Force) Handling COVID-19 Wiku Adisasmito said the interval for administering the first and second doses of vaccinations for the elderly is 28 days.

This is in accordance with the recommendations of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) when issuing an emergency use authorization (UEA).

"In accordance with the recommendation of the BPOM when publishing the UAE that the time for the second vaccination for the elderly is 28 days after receiving the first vaccine," Wiku said in an online press conference broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat YouTube account, Thursday, March 25.

The difference in the interval of vaccination to the elderly and the community in general, is because they take a longer time to form antibodies.

"It is hoped that the determined schedule will reflect these recommendations to ensure the maximum benefits of vaccines can be received," he said.

Furthermore, Wiku also said that the second vaccination for the elderly was no longer necessary in the health facility where they received the first dose. This is in accordance with the Decree of the Director General of P2P so that the elderly can have convenience in the vaccination process.

"The decision of the Director General of P2P that has been issued is a commitment and effort of the government to provide later for the elderly in participating in the vaccination program," he said.

"The Task Force appealed to the vaccination administrators to follow the decision of the Director General of P2P of the Ministry of Health to facilitate elderly people whose first vaccination location was different from the second vaccination site," added Wiku.

As previously reported, the COVID-19 vaccination program is targeting 181.5 million recipients. Those targeted are people aged 18 years and over. Later, vaccine recipients will receive twice the injection dose.

Overall, this national vaccination will be carried out from April 2021 to March 2022 and consists of several stages. In the first phase, the vaccine is intended for 1.5 million health workers. In the second stage, COVID-19 vaccination is for the elderly and public service workers.

The target is 21.5 million elderly and 16.9 million public workers. They are market traders, educators, religious leaders and counselors, representatives of the people, officials, government, civil servants, TNI-Polri, tourism officers, public services, public transportation workers, athletes, and media workers. This program lasts until May.

Furthermore, vaccination will be carried out for 63.9 million vulnerable people or people living in areas with high risk of infection. Then, other communities as many as 77.7 million people.