The Available Monkeypox Vaccine Prioritizes Only For Vulnerable Groups

Illustration of the vaccine (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Vaccine for monkeypox (monkeypox) that has been available in Indonesia is currently given priority to vulnerable groups. Previously, the Ministry of Health reported that there was one new case of monkeypox in DKI Jakarta on October 14. Internal medicine specialist and consultant of tropical disease as well as infection from RSUPN Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM), Dr. Robert Sinto explained that this priority determination aims to ensure that vaccines, which are limited in number, are used as optimally as possible for people in need. Access to monkeypox vaccines is currently not as free as Covid-19 vaccines that during the past pandemic were given to all levels of society regardless of priority. The government is making a determination of priority groups that will gain access to monkeypox vaccines," said Robert, Friday, October 20. Another reason not to fully open access to monkeypox vaccines is because there are many other steps that people can take to prevent transmission other than vaccine administration. We can also prevent transmission without vaccines. There are many steps that can be taken, explained Robert. One of the preventive steps that can be taken is by maintaining personal hygiene and health as well as avoiding close contact and sexual relations with monkeypox sufferers. This is something we need to do, with or without the availability of vaccines prepared by the government for us, he said. Previously, the Ministry of Health reported the existence of a new case of monkeypox in DKI Jakarta on October 14.

The patient was confirmed to be infected with monkeypox after going through a series of tests and is a native of DKI Jakarta. The patient also has no history of traveling abroad or out of town. With the discovery of this new case, there are currently two cases of monkeypox in Indonesia after the first case was discovered on August 20, 2022.