By: Aldia Putra )*
The government continues to intensify vaccination in the midst of a surge in Covid-19 cases in order to increase the immunity of the community both from the transmission of Covid-19 and the fatal effects of the virus. The public is also advised not to hesitate to carry out complete or booster vaccinations because the vaccines provided are safe and halal as stated by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).
When the start of the national vaccination program was implemented in early 2021, people were enthusiastic about queuing up at the Puskesmas to get injections. However, after more than a year of this program running, there are still some who have not been vaccinated at all. The reason is fear, even though the Corona vaccine in Indonesia is halal certified by the MUI and has a BPOM permit, and there are no side effects. The public needs to get more socialization about the benefits of vaccines to prevent a spike in Corona cases in Indonesia.
As of July 1, 2022 there are more than 2,000 patients
Corona, even though as of June 1, 2022, there were only 304 patients. The increase in Corona cases is clearly worrying because Indonesia is preparing to enter an endemic period. The pandemic must end and the number of Covid-19 patients must be suppressed, and the way to do that is by re-invigorating vaccinations from Sabang to Merauke.
Mass vaccinations continue to be held in various regions, one of which is in Banyuasin, South Sumatra. The Regent of Banyuasin H. Askolani stated that mass vaccination was carried out throughout Banyuasin. Even vaccinations are held at night. The goal is to achieve the target of at least 70% of the population having been vaccinated.
H. Askolani added, with mass vaccination efforts, people will be healthier, safer, and more active. In a sense, when they are vaccinated, Banyuasin residents will be healthy and free from Corona. Of course, with a record that they still adhere to health protocols.
The efforts of the Banyuasin Regional Government to prevent a spike in Corona cases by mass vaccination, need to be imitated by other regions. To achieve 100% vaccination coverage, there needs to be cooperation between the local government, the health office, and related parties.
Mass vaccination will attract more people if they are offered a reward. For example, vaccination participants will get free milk, food packages, shopping vouchers, or other attractive door prizes. The mass vaccination committee can work with several sponsors as a gift supplier, so it doesn’t burden the budget.
Meanwhile, the Buleleng Regional Government, Bali, created a program for Elderly Heroes with the Spirit to Get Complete Vaccinations. The Head of the Buleleng Communication and Information Office, Suwarmawan, stated that this program was to protect the elderly (elderly). In fact, many elderly people have not been vaccinated because they are afraid or do not know that vaccination is mandatory. Whereas the elderly are very vulnerable because their immunity is lower and on average they have comorbidities (congenital diseases) so they must be vaccinated.
Suwarmawan continued, the Hero of the Elderly Spirit program will increase vaccination coverage because if one elderly person becomes a hero, his friends will want to be vaccinated. In Buleleng and its surroundings, this method is quite successful in wooing many elderly people. This will increase the vaccination coverage.
Vaccination really needs to be intensified throughout Indonesia to prevent a spike in Corona cases. If at least 70% of the population has been vaccinated, group immunity will be formed. This immunity will reduce the number of Corona patients and accelerate the end of the pandemic.
To intensify vaccination, the Regional Government is obliged to collaborate with the Health Service, the Covid-19 Task Force, community leaders, and other parties. They work together so that mass vaccinations continue to be carried out, the aim is to increase vaccination coverage. The more vaccines, the better because it accelerates herd immunity and reduces the increase in Corona cases in Indonesia.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute