Thousands Of COVID-19 Vaccines In Malang City Have Expired, But Will Still Be Used On The Recommendation Of The Ministry Of Health

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MALANG - Thousands of AstraZeneca-type COVID-19 vaccines owned by the Malang City Health Service have reportedly expired since February 28. But the vaccine is said to be used until March 28. Malang Mayor Sutiaji said the plan to use the vaccine for the booster that has expired is based on a recommendation from the Ministry of Health. "There are approximately 2,000 expired vaccines. The writing on the vaccine is 'expired'. However, the treatment by the Ministry of Health may be used for up to one month," he said. months from the expiration date listed on the vaccine bottle. According to him, the expiration date listed on the vaccine bottle is a warning to immediately use the vaccine. He asked the public not to worry about the expired vaccine. "There is no need to worry. There is a grace period from what is stated (on the vaccine bottle). So, it is a precaution and must be spent immediately," said Sutiaji.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Malang City Health Office, Dr. Husnul Muarif, said that his party was still waiting for a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Health and the Indonesian Technical Advisory Group of Immunization (ITAGI) for the use of the thousands of vaccines.

Because the recommendation letter for the extension of the use of vaccines that have expired has not been received, the Malang City Health Office still keeps the expired vaccines in available facilities. "There are no recommendations from the Ministry of Health and ITAGI. Malang City Health has not been distributed," he said. Based on data from the Malang City Health Service, the achievement of booster vaccination or the third dose was recorded at 19 percent of the total target of 856 thousand residents with 83,115 elderly residents. 115 percent and the second dose as much as 110 percent.