Officials Say They Have Get Booster Vaccinations, Ministry Of Health: Responsibilities Of Local Governments

Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - A number of officials claimed to have received a third or booster dose of vaccination. In response to this, the spokesperson for vaccination from the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, emphasized that currently booster vaccinations can only be given to health workers.

"According to a circular letter from the Ministry of Health, the provision of a third or booster dose of vaccination has so far only been given to health workers," Nadia said in a virtual discussion, Wednesday, August 25.

Regarding a number of public officials who claimed to have received booster vaccine injections, Nadia admitted that it was not the responsibility of the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health has assigned the responsibility for distributing vaccines to local governments.

"This has become the responsibility of the regional government, because the Minister of Health has collaborated with our auditors to evaluate the accuracy of the target for this (vaccination) implementation," said Nadia.

Previously reported, a number of officials admitted to President Joko Widodo that they had received a booster vaccination or the third dose.

From the Presidential Secretariat's Youtube video, this conversation took place on the sidelines of the vaccination review agenda in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. They talk behind a loudspeaker (standing mic), so it can be heard during a live broadcast.

Initially, Samarinda Mayor Andi Harun admitted to Jokowi that he had undergone two doses of vaccination, plus the Nusantara vaccine booster developed by Terawan Agus Putranto. Jokowi then responded to this confession.

"Oh, it's really fresh. Before us, Mr. Mayor," said Jokowi in a Youtube broadcast of the Presidential Secretariat, Tuesday, August 24.

Jokowi also asked about the vaccine booster to the TNI Commander Mersekal Hadi Tjahjanto who was also present at the vaccination review agenda. Hadi replied that he had also received a booster vaccine.

"Ready, already," replied Hadi.

Jokowi then responded jokingly. "Not inviting us, yes," said Jokowi, laughing.

Even the Governor of East Kalimantan, Isran Noor, who took part in the conversation, admitted that he had received a vaccine booster using Moderna.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto asked President Jokowi whether he had received the third dose of vaccination.

"All boosters, sir. Hasn't the president yet, sir?" Prabowo asked.

"No, I'm waiting, waiting for Pfizer," Jokowi replied.