Ministry Of Health: There Is No Urgency Of Mass Mpox Vaccine For The Public

Illustration of the vaccine (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health said, mass Mpox vaccines for the Indonesian people are not yet needed, because there has been no recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO). "It is not necessary, because WHO has not recommended yet," said Acting Head of the Public Communications and Services Bureau of the Ministry of Health Siti Nadia Tarmizi, quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, August 23. Nadia explained that currently, the vaccine is prioritized for groups at risk of exposure to the virus. As for the supply of monkeypox vaccines, Nadia said that this year's stock is still sufficient, so there is no urgency to add it.The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends "directed vaccinations" in an effort against Mpox-type smallpox, instead of mass vaccinations in areas where the virus is detected, arguing that stopping the spread of Mpox is easier than dealing with COVID-19. In an exclusive interview with Anadolu, WHO spokesman Margaret Harris said that vaccines, as an effective way against Mpox, are recommended for people known to have been exposed. She advised those people to get them within four days after exposure. "Other groups that must be vaccinated are health workers in areas where there is an ongoing pandemic, to protect them. There are several other groups at risk of magnitude," said Margaret. Previously, Acting Director General of Disease Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) Yudhi Pramono said his party was in the process of preparation of a total of 4,450 doses of vaccine, namely 2,225 targeted with two doses per individual to prevent monkeypox. The Mpox disease, he said, can spread through direct contact of the skin to the skin or mukosa membrane, including during sexual contact. Transmission through droplets usually requires long, so that members of families living together or close contact with cases are at greater risk of infection. Yudhi referred to the report Technical Report Mpox in Indonesia 2023' published by the Ministry of Health in 2024, the Mpox symptoms in most reported confirmed cases, among others, followed by fever, rash, rash, and limpnopati (broad malnopathy).

Responding to the health emergency status, he also appealed to the public, especially travelers, to remain vigilant and avoid traveling to countries infected with Mpox, and follow the government's advice. In addition, he said, implementing clean and healthy living behavior, implementing healthy sexual behavior such as not changing partners or same-sex sex behavior.