Vulnerable Adolescents Priority Booster Vaccination, Epidemiologist: Disabled, Autistic, Including Obese Children

JAKARTA - Epidemiologist from Australia's Griffith University Dicky Budiman said that vulnerable teenagers should be a priority to get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"If the dose is limited, prioritize vulnerable groups who have comorbidities or other body conditions. Maybe people with disabilities, autism, including obese children," said Dicky Budiman who was confirmed on Friday, August 5.

The Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has allowed booster vaccinations for children aged 16-18 years. According to him, teenagers, especially those who are vulnerable, need to get a booster to increase protection from COVID-19.

"This is a very right decision and the results obtained by BPOM in testing it (vaccine dose) are more clinical. Indeed, it is not much different from other countries which have already given booster vaccines," he said.

BPOM allows Pfizer with mRNA technology to be used as a COVID-19 booster vaccine for children aged 16-18 years.

The decision was based on scientific considerations of a number of aspects and recommendations from the National Committee for the Assessment of Drugs and Vaccines for COVID-19 or the Indonesian Technical Advisory Group of Immunization (ITAGI), as well as clinical associations.

"The choice is correct, and this is important because children aged 16 years, even 12 years can already get a booster and need to increase the level of protection. Because it is no different from adults, the protection for adolescents arising from vaccines also decreases over time," he said.

Dicky said that booster does not need to be a requirement for teenagers in activities, including school. The reason is that the immunity of teenagers is much stronger.

"What really needs to be a concern is the booster for teachers and staff at schools who may be elderly or have comorbidities. What needs to be required is the implementation of health protocols and air circulation in schools," he said.

To increase the booster coverage, Dicky hopes that the government can develop a transparent risk communication strategy.

"The government's honesty is not to cause fear in the community, but to build vigilance. If it is not honest, people think the pandemic is over," he said.