By: Anjar Agustine (Diponegoro University Health Science Student)
From the end of 2019 to the beginning of 2021, the world has not been separated from the Covid-19 pandemic. Various countries have made various efforts to reduce the number of Corona victims, but they have not succeeded in expelling them. On the other hand, many researchers are trying to develop a vaccine from this virus, but the vaccine that has been successfully made is still considered unable to completely stop this pandemic.
Various countries, including Russia, Britain, China, America and various other countries claim to have been able to find or make a vaccine for this corona virus. This is certainly a breath of fresh air for the community. Although it is stated that they have not been able to overcome the pandemic, if the community continues to play an active role in vaccination and adheres to health protocols, then nothing will be impossible to end the pandemic in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian government has prepared vaccines in collaboration with various countries. The government has also distributed the vaccine in early 2021.
The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo said that currently there are 4 types of vaccines that will be ready for mass distribution to the public. These vaccines are the result of cooperation between Indonesia and various countries such as Britain and China. The steps taken by the government to prepare vaccines and even distribute them for free to the public is a very extraordinary policy. It is also a good decision to prioritize vaccine recipients.
The policies and steps taken by the government to deal with this pandemic are actually correct. Starting with the PSBB policy, social assistance, prohibiting entry to foreigners so that mutated viruses do not enter Indonesia, to the provision of free vaccines. However, it all comes back to society. The government can only make decisions or impose policies, but the people still run them.
In dealing with the wave of vaccine rejection, the government itself has taken clear and open steps. The Ministry of Health said that the government is trying to confirm to the vaccine producers about the halal vaccine. The government also said that the health authorities had confirmed the safety of the vaccine. The government also said that the safety of vaccines is very important so that it is impossible for the government to give vaccines that are not safe for the public.
The existence of fake news and information such as Covid-19 is the result of propaganda or conspiracy or just a hoax, is also the cause of rejection that continues to occur. As the front line, the community must participate in the success of government policies in handling Covid-19 by supporting the national vaccination program.
In a pandemic situation like this, we cannot blame the government. No one wants to be in this unfavorable pandemic state. As a smart society, we should work together with the government in overcoming this pandemic. Measures such as adhering to health protocols and implementing government-administered vaccinations are the way we must take to stop this pandemic. It is appropriate for all elements of society to support Covid-19 vaccination for the safety and progress of the nation.
We must also learn to become a society that is able to understand various information related to the pandemic that is conveyed by the government so that we are not easily fooled by false, misleading news.
