Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) - As many as 358,316 residents or some 16 percent of the two million people targeted for vaccination in Tangerang District, Banten Province, have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Tangerang District Health Office.

Meanwhile, the number of residents, who were fully vaccinated or received two COVID-19 vaccine injections reached 163,371 people, or only some eight percent of the targeted figure in Tangerang District.

"Our second stage of injection is still underway," Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Division of the Tangerang District Health Office Hendra Tarmizi stated in Tangerang on Wednesday.

He informed that vaccination was offered to health workers, public service officers, older adults, and the general public in the district.

"Up until now, the first dose of the vaccine was administered to 7,691 teenagers, while the second dose vaccination has not yet been conducted," he remarked.

According to Tarmizi, COVID-19 vaccination is targeted to be administered to all residents to be covered for inoculation by the end of 2021.

He also reminded the residents that vaccination is only a part of the measures to handle the COVID-19 pandemic.

To stem the spread of COVID-19, Tarmizi urged residents, who have been vaccinated, to continue to adhere to the 5M health protocols of wearing masks, washing hands with soap in running water, maintaining distance, avoiding crowds, and limiting mobility and social interaction.

"Thus, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will end soon, and people will be able to return to their normal activities," he remarked.

In a bid to reduce COVID-19 transmission and build herd immunity, the Indonesian government has been conducting a nationwide vaccination program since January 13, 2021.

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Translator: Azmi Syamsul, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
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