COVID-19 Cases On Children Soared, Puan Maharani: Parents, Get Ready To Take Their Children To Vaccination

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JAKARTA - Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Puan Maharani, appealed to parents to bring their children with them to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination. As the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has allowed the use of the Sinovac vaccine at a dose of 600 SU/0.5 mL for children aged over 12 years and over.

“Come on, Indonesian parents, get ready to get their children vaccinated. This is the time to give our children the best protection against the COVID-19 virus", said Puan in her statement, Tuesday, June 29.

It is known that based on data from the Indonesian Pediatrician Association, the number of COVID-19 cases with pediatric patients in Indonesia reached 12.5 percent of the total COVID-19 cases in Indonesia.

The BPOM has allowed the use of the Sinovac Bio Farma vaccine for children aged over 12 years after clinical trials have been carried out and taking into account the epidemiological data of COVID-19 in Indonesia showing high mortality at the age of 10-18 years.

Furthermore, the PDIP Party politician said, the spike in COVID-19 cases in children proves that the coronavirus can attack anyone.

“This means that mothers have to be fussier about health protocols to their families. I am also a mother, I always remind my children to maintain health protocols, even though they are no longer small children. But you know, I'm a mother too", she said.

Puan assessed, with vaccination, children's immunity to the coronavirus will be formed so as to protect them from the risk of being exposed. So it is hoped that the child's body will be stronger against COVID-19 when face-to-face learning begins to be held.

"Hopefully this child vaccination can accelerate the realization of face-to-face learning which is planned to be carried out in July 2021. But remember to keep the health protocol", she concluded.

On the other hand, Puan realizes that distance learning (PJJ) adds to the responsibility of parents in educating their children. "Usually, it's the mother who helps the child with school homework or other tasks. Even though there are still mothers who have to work even though they work from home", she said.

Therefore, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture reminded that the role of ensuring the safety of children is in the hands of both parents so that fathers and mothers must work together. "Sharing tasks so parents don't burn out, because parenting requires extra patience", she said.