Strengthening Immunity And Babies, OKI Regency, South Sumatra Targets 12,863 Pregnant Women To Be Injected With COVID-19 Vaccines

Vaccination activities for pregnant women in OKI Regency, South Sumatra (ANTARA/HO-OKI Regency)

SUMSEL - The Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) Regency Government, South Sumatra, is targeting COVID-19 vaccination to be carried out to 12,863 pregnant women and 5,862 breastfeeding mothers.

The head of the OKI District Health Office, Iwan Setiawan, said that these two groups had weak immunity, so vaccination was needed.

"Vaccination for pregnant and lactating mothers is not only good for their health but can also protect the fetus and their toddlers," said Iwan in Kayuagung as quoted by Antara, Monday, September 13.

Vaccination of pregnant and lactating women is in line with the OIC Health Office's MCH Revolution Program. Through this program as many as 2,409 births were able to be handled professionally by health workers.

Even in 2020, for the first time the OIC has achieved zero (zero) maternal mortality.

"Vaccination for pregnant women (13-40 weeks gestation) and breastfeeding will start from September 13, 2021 to October 13, 2021. That way, the target of 70 percent vaccination in December can be achieved," he said.

The district government is intensifying mass vaccinations to support the acceleration of COVID-19 vaccination coverage. This time, the mass vaccination targets pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, the elderly, children aged 12-17 years and with disabilities.

This mass vaccination was held for one month in 32 Health Centers in Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, OKI Police Resort Clinic, Kodim Clinic and the OKI District Health Office's yard. Acceleration of vaccination is nothing but the target of herd immunity (herd immunity).

Assistant for Government and People's Welfare Antonius Leonardo said this vaccination is very important because it aims to protect pregnant and lactating mothers from the potential for contracting COVID-19.

So this vaccination is our joint effort to protect pregnant and lactating mothers as well as possible. Therefore, it is very important for all of us to inform the public regarding the importance of vaccines, he said.

Even though he has been vaccinated, he hopes the OIC community will continue to implement health protocols and comply with government policies because it is for the common good.