IDI Says Monkeypox Vaccine Is Not Necessary In Indonesia

JAKARTA - Head of the Monkeypox Task Force of the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) Hanny Nilasari said that until now Indonesia did not require the use of a special vaccine for monkeypox (monkeypox). Although, in recent times there have been suspected cases of monkeypox.

"Because monkeypox is not endemic in Indonesia. Until now, vaccines for healthy people have not been recommended," said Hanny in a virtual discussion, Friday, August 5.

Currently, there are two monkeypox vaccines that have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The two vaccines are JYNNEOS and ACAM2000.

However, considering that no cases of monkeypox have been found in Indonesia, Hanny said that the two vaccines will not be needed in the country for some time to come.

"But, we are optimal. For example, there is only one case, IDI will encourage vaccination or other matters related to prevention," said Hanny.

"We already know that primary efforts are clean and healthy, avoid contact with animals, then people from traveling must identify themselves. So, for this vaccination, we still recommend it if needed," he continued.

The Ministry of Health stated that there were 10 suspected cases of monkeypox. However, 9 of them have tested negative. Meanwhile, 1 new suspected case is still waiting for the results of laboratory tests.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global public health emergency regarding monkeypox. There are currently more than 18,000 cases of monkeypox globally in 78 countries, the majority in Europe.

In this case, the government through the Ministry of Health has issued a circular to be alert to monkeypox in non-endemic countries. Later, there will be a path of restrictions to carry out strict supervision from an early age.

The Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) said that children are more susceptible to being exposed to the monkeypox virus. However, that does not mean adults can avoid this disease.

Meanwhile, epidemiologist from Australia's Griffith University, Dicky Budiman, said that Indonesia has great potential for Monkeypox disease, especially in high-risk populations such as same-sex lovers to commercial sex workers.

"The community exists in all countries and 96 percent of Monkeypox cases are indeed from contact with these groups, and in Indonesia there are groups," said Dicky.