Government Accelerates COVID-19 Vaccination In Low-Accomplishment Areas

ILLUSTRATION/BETWEEN

JAKARTA - The government continues to accelerate COVID-19 vaccination, especially in areas with low vaccination achievement, with the first dose still below 50 percent of the target.

"The government continues to maximize the acceleration of COVID-19 vaccination in various regions, especially in areas where the achievement of the first dose of vaccination is still low. The government will continue to accelerate vaccination as one of the most important efforts in handling the pandemic," said Minister of Communications and Information, Johnny G. Plate quoted by Antara, Wednesday, September 22.

According to Johnny, the transparency of vaccination status data in the regions is a trigger for the acceleration of vaccination so that the level of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) in the relevant areas can be lowered.

The Minister of Communication and Information emphasized that efforts to accelerate vaccination were carried out considering the importance of maximum protection for oneself and the community in the midst of a dynamic pandemic. Since September 2021, COVID-19 vaccination has reached 10 million injections per week.

Minister of Communications and Informatics Johnny emphasized that at a limited meeting earlier this week, President Joko Widodo had ordered the Minister of Health, the National Police Chief, and the TNI Commander to accelerate the implementation of vaccinations.

Accelerating vaccination, especially in provinces with low coverage of the first dose of vaccination, is now the government's focus.

"In the extension of PPKM outside Java and Bali until October 4, there are 10 districts / cities that still have to implement PPKM Level 4. PPKM in related areas can be lowered," he said.

The implementation of PPKM Level 4 is due to several factors, one of which is the vaccination rate of dose 1 which is still below 50 percent.

Areas that are still implementing PPKM Level 4 include Aceh Tamiang, Pidie, Bangka Belitung, Padang, Banjar Baru, Banjarmasin, Balikpapan, Kutai Kartanegara, Tarakan, and Bulungan.

"Therefore, local governments are expected to immediately accelerate the implementation of vaccinations in their regions. Immediately finish the vaccines received. Thus, the PPKM level in the relevant regions can get an adjustment," said Minister Johnny.