UNAIR NEWS – The Ministry of Health has issued a regulation Number HK.01.07/MENKES/2193/2023 concerning COVID-19 Immunization on Monday, January 1, 2024. This regulation marks the shift from COVID-19 vaccination to a regular immunization program.
Targeting vulnerable groups
UNAIR Epidemiologist Laura Navika Yasmani SSi MSi Ph.D. shared her opinions on the matter. The immunization program is provided free of charge and targets vulnerable groups.
The vulnerable groups include those with a high risk of mortality, older adults, people with comorbidities, adults with comorbidities, healthcare workers, pregnant women, and children aged 12 and above with compromised immune systems.
The COVID-19 immunization is charged for the remainder, except for two groups: those who have never gotten the COVID-19 vaccine and those who have received a single dose.
Benefits of immunisation
The Public Health lecturer stated that the public thinks that COVID-19 is over. In fact, the pandemic has not been fully eradicated. Currently, COVID-19 is endemic, which means it has the potential to become an epidemic with substantial cases at specific times.
“The COVID-19 immunization aims to prepare our bodies for all possibilities. It provides us with antibodies,” she said.
The virus easily mutates and develops new sub-variations. Therefore, COVID-19 immunization helps stop and prevent the emergence of new variants.
People must be aware of COVID-19 immunization. Therefore, the government needs to disseminate information about these regulations massively.
One more thing to be done is to educate the community on the benefits of vaccines. The community needs to be continuously reminded about the potential threats. Additionally, the government should provide regular updates on COVID-19 cases both nationally and globally.
“The government’s efforts are all for everyone’s good. Hopefully, it goes beyond a regulation. It should be welcomed by the community, who are eager to be immunized. A synergy to achieve the desired goals is necessary, ensuring that COVID-19 doesn’t pose a threat in the future,” Laura concluded.
Author: Ilma Arrafi Nafi’a
Editor : Khefti Al Mawalia
