This independent vaccination is not mandatory and does not eliminate the public's right to obtain free vaccines through the government's vaccination programJakarta (ANTARA) - The rollout of independent vaccinations for individuals will not impinge on the people's right to free COVID-19 vaccines, spokesperson for COVID-19 vaccinations for the Health Ministry, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, has said.
"This independent vaccination is not mandatory and does not eliminate the public's right to obtain free vaccines through the government's vaccination program," Tarmizi said at an online press conference originating from here on Tuesday.
She emphasized that independent vaccinations for individuals have been offered as an alternative to help expand and accelerate access to COVID-19 vaccination services.
She said she expects more people to be vaccinated more rapidly through the independent vaccination program, and thereby, help the spike in the spread of COVID-19 to be controlled more quickly.
"The implementation of this independent vaccination will not interfere with the government's vaccination program, as the type of vaccine, health facilities, and health workers in this program will be different (from the free vaccination program)," she elaborated.
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Only Sinopharm vaccines are being used for the independent vaccination program, she said. Meanwhile, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Moderna vaccines, including Sinopharm and Moderna vaccines secured through the COVAX facility, are being administered under the government's free vaccination program, she added.
Earlier, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin had said that paid vaccinations were aimed at accelerating the pace of the independent vaccination program.
The minister emphasized that paid independent vaccinations for individuals are an option that can be exercised by the community to accelerate the vaccination program, in addition to the free vaccination program conducted by the government.
Funds from the state revenue and the expenditure budget (APBN) will not be utilized for independent vaccinations, instead they will be funded by State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and private companies, so the Health Ministry will not be involved in financing the program, he informed.
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Translator: Devi Nindy Sari Ramadhan, Katr
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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