Sampit, Central Kalimantan (ANTARA) - A drive-through COVID-19 vaccination program hosted in Sampit city by East Kotawaringin Police, Central Kalimantan has received a positive response from residents.

"(This program is) So good because it's controlled. There is space, so crowding can be avoided. Only now I saw this method and it is so good," said Satnawi, who participated in the program at Sampit City Park on Thursday (August 12, 2021).

He said he was grateful to take part in the drive-through vaccination program, saying he had visited public health centers and vaccination programs four times, but had failed to get vaccinated as their vaccine stocks had been exhausted.

Satnawi said he understood that there has been a shortage of vaccines due to public enthusiasm in getting vaccinated even as stocks are limited.

He further said he was happy to get his first vaccine dose without having to step down from his vehicle.

"People do not need to be scared of getting vaccinated because this is for the people's (greater good), too. Thanks a lot to the police force for the chance given to us," Satnawi added.


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Meanwhile, East Kotawaringin police chief, Adjunct Senior Commissioner Abdoel Harris Jakin, said the program in Sampit was the result of an initiative by the Central Kalimantan Regional Police Force.

The drive-through system was implemented to avoid public gathering or crowding, he explained.

The method was also chosen to ensure the quantity and quality of the allocated vaccines, he added.

The vaccination program participants were selected by the traffic police, Jakin said. Drivers found eligible to receive the vaccine were those who were yet to be vaccinated and wished to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination program, he explained.

"In this program, (we) allocated 100 doses (of the COVID-19 vaccine). This, we will evaluate. If we can keep this up, then we will keep it up," he said.

Jakin then urged the people to assist in the regional government's efforts for stemming the spread of COVID-19.

Citizens must always follow the health protocols in order to avoid contracting the deadly virus, he said.
Related news: Slow vaccine distribution causal to low vaccination coverage

Translator: Kasriadi, Norjani, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021