"The mortality rate among children aged 10-18 years that contracted COVID-19 reaches 30 percent," Amin remarked during his opening remarks on the occasion of the 28th National Family Day and the Launch of Vaccinations for Pregnant Women, Breastfeeding Mothers and Children aged 12-18 Years organized virtually here on Tuesday.
"I welcome the start of a vaccination program for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children aged 12-17 years old. This decision is very appropriate, considering the mortality rate of COVID-19 sufferers in the age group of 10-18 years is quite high, reaching 30 percent," the vice president remarked at the event organized by the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN).
Amin urged the agency to launch a campaign on COVID-19 vaccination for children.
"The role of the BKKBN, which is close to family development, in spearheading the implementation of vaccinations targeting family members, including children and pregnant women, is appropriate," he affirmed.
The vice president praised the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) and the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) for their roles in implementing vaccination for children in Indonesia.
"I would like to laud the BPOM, with the support of the IDAI, which in a short period of time, has issued recommendations for the use of vaccines produced by Bio Farma for use in children aged 12-17 years," he remarked.
The BPOM has issued an emergency use of authorization (EUA) permit for Sinovac's vaccine to be administered to those aged 12-17 years.
Earlier, President Joko Widodo stated that COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 12-17 years could be implemented immediately.
"We are grateful that the BPOM has issued an emergency use permit, or EUA, for the Sinovac vaccine declared safe for use in children that are 12-17 years of age, so that vaccination for children at that age will start immediately," the head of state noted in a statement here on Monday. Related news: COVID vaccinations to begin soon for children aged 12-17: President
Related news: Government mulls Sinovac, Pfizer vaccines for children
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Fransiska N, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
