Balikpapan Runs Out Of Vaccines

ILLUSTRATION/UNSPLASH

BALIKPAPAN - The Balikpapan COVID-19 Handling Task Force (Satgas) has now run out of vaccines, because the remaining 61 vials (610 doses) have been given to residents at health centers.

Likewise, the 30 vials (300 doses) of the TNI's ration of vaccine and the remaining 34 vials (340 doses) from the National Police were spent on mass vaccination on Wednesday (28/7). This includes vaccines from the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) of 30 vials (300 doses).

"We are waiting for another shipment from the center," said Balikpapan COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson, Dr Andi Sri Juliarty, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, July 28.

Because there is no vaccine, the second stage of vaccination for a large number of people has been delayed. The Batu Ampar Health Center in North Balikpapan, for example, posted an announcement that residents who received the second stage of vaccination on 21, 23, 27, 28, 29, and 31 July could not be vaccinated.

"Because the vaccine is not yet available. The vaccine hasn't come yet," said a nurse.

Meanwhile, Kadinkes Juliarty also said that the Balikpapan COVID-19 Task Force lent 300 vials or 3,000 doses of vaccine to the Kill Covid community for the second stage of injection. This is because Kill Covid's second ration vaccine has not yet arrived from Jakarta.

Previously, Kill Covid had injected 10,000 doses for the first stage of vaccination at the end of last June. At that time, the vaccination from Kill Covid extended the mass vaccination program in Balikpapan. Just like now, the COVID-19 Task Force is also running out of vaccine stock and waiting for central delivery.

The central government promised to distribute the vaccine in large quantities in early August 2021. However, many are still waiting for the second dose to be injected.

According to Dr. Juliarty, the news he received stated that the vaccine would be supplied in early August.

“Easy, fast and soon. Many are waiting,” hoped Dr. Juliarty.