DPR Invites The Community To Use The 2022 BIAN To Complete Child Immunization

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

JAKARTA - Commission IX of the DPR RI invites the public, especially those with toddlers, to take advantage of the 2022 National Child Immunization Month (BIAN). The public can complete the immunization of children at the nearest health facility through the program initiated by the Government.

"DPR RI invites parents to bring their children who have not received complete immunizations to Posyandu, Puskesmas, and other health facilities during the National Child Immunization Month (BIAN)," said Member of Commission IX DPR, Arzeti Bilbina, Wednesday, August 3.

The National Child Immunization Month was proclaimed by the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) in the form of additional Measles-Rubela immunization activities and immunization for children who have not received complete immunizations. Arzeti encourages people to take advantage of the BIAN which is still ongoing until this August.

"Through the BIAN program, parents can complete or catch up on their children's immunizations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic," he said in a written statement.

To note, the Government held a BIAN to pursue low immunization coverage. This is because during the COVID-19 pandemic, complete basic immunization coverage for infants has dropped dramatically.

Based on data from the Ministry of Health, more than 1.7 million babies have not received basic immunization during the 2019-2021 period. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, complete basic immunization coverage decreased significantly, from 84.2% in 2020 to 79.6% in 2021.

Various factors have contributed to the decline in routine immunization coverage for children. Starting from supply chain disruptions, restrictions on activities, to the reduced availability of health workers which led to the cessation of some vaccination services at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We hope that the provision of complete immunization can make children healthier because they have immunity. Thus, children as the nation's next generation can grow and develop well," said Arzeti.

There are 2 stages of the 2022 BIAN, in which phase I is carried out in all provinces outside Java and Bali which has started in May 2022. In this phase I, the immunizations given are in the form of Measles-Rubela immunization for ages 9-15 years, as well as immunization catch up for children aged 12-59 months who did not complete immunizations for OPV (drop polio), IPV (polio injection), and DPT-HB-Hib (Pentabio).

Meanwhile, BIAN Phase 2 will take place in all provinces in Java and Bali starting in August 2022 with the same immunization program. Arzeti invites the community to complete and catch up on immunizations by visiting Puskesmas, hospitals, Posyandu, and other health facilities that work together in the BIAN program.

"Don't let children get infected or suffer from serious diseases that should be prevented by immunization such as Measles, Hepatitis, Polio, Tetanus, Rubella, and Diphtheria and can reduce the immunity gap in the community," said the Legislator from the East Java I electoral district.

According to Arzeti, if the immunity gap is not immediately pursued, it is feared that there will be an increase in cases and Extraordinary Events (KLB) which will become a double burden in the midst of a pandemic. He also reminded that immunization in children can save more than 5 lives every minute and prevent up to 3 million deaths per year globally.

“And the vaccines in the BIAN program are provided free of charge and their safety and quality have been ensured. I urge parents to ensure that their child's immunization schedule is on time,” said Arzeti.

“The children are healthy because their parents are great. The child's umbrella starts with the completeness of immunizations," added the mother of three.

Arzeti said that the House of Representatives Commission IX, one of which is related to health issues, fully supports the implementation of the 2022 BIAN. He also encourages the Government, including the Regional Government, to conduct massive socialization regarding the 2022 BIAN program.

“The involvement of community elements is also important for the success of this program. The government must always cooperate with various elements of society, especially PKK women, cross-community communities, even with the private sector," said Arzeti.

The House of Representatives also hopes that the Government has undertaken mitigation efforts against various obstacles that may occur in the 2022 BIAN program. Arzeti stated, the Government and related institutions need to anticipate misinformation or hoaxes about immunizations that can reduce the interest of citizens to bring their children to the immunization site.

"So it is also important to have support from religious leaders, academics, to give confidence to the public that the vaccines given are safe and halal," he appealed.

Arzeti added, immunization services to the community must also be guaranteed. Of course, the implementation of health protocols in administering vaccines to children must also be carried out strictly.

“So parents should not hesitate to bring their children for immunization. With the control of COVID-19, we encourage parents to be able to complete basic immunizations for children for the health of the nation's future generations," concluded Arzeti.