In fact, the vaccines have been developed for those who have comorbid diseases as they have a high risk of contracting a COVID-19 infection.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Health Ministry’s spokesperson for COVID-19 vaccinations, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, has said that elderly people who have comorbid diseases can still get vaccinated.

"In fact, the (coronavirus) vaccines have been developed for those who have comorbid diseases as they have a high risk of contracting a COVID-19 infection," she said during a discussion held by the COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee on Friday.

However, those seeking to get vaccinated will have to control their comorbid diseases before getting the shot, she emphasized.

People suffering from hypertension can get vaccinated if they get a blood pressure reading below 180/110 mmHg during an examination conducted by health officers right before vaccination, she informed.

Meanwhile, people suffering from diabetes can participate in the vaccination program if their condition is stable and they do not have any acute complications, she said.

"Heart disease patients who don't have any dyspnoea, cold sweat, and recent (history of) heart attack also can be vaccinated," she added.

Related news: Ministry issues circular on vaccination for elderly, comorbid patients

Nadia also urged the elderly to get vaccinated, saying their immune system will not be as robust as that of younger people when it comes to fighting the virus.

Meanwhile, National COVID-19 Task Force’s new normal adaptation ambassador, Dr. Reisa Broto Asmoro, said that the requirements do not apply only to the elderly. Everyone has to check their own condition before participating in vaccinations as only healthy people can get vaccinated, she added.

During Friday's discussion, director of PT AstraZeneca Indonesia, Rizman Abudaeri, informed that research conducted in Scotland and England has found the company's vaccine effective in preventing hospitalization in 80 percent of the elderly aged over 80 with comorbidities upon contracting a COVID-19 infection.

The research has also shown that the elderly experience lighter side-effects after the second vaccine dose than the first one, he said. Hence, they should not fear getting vaccinated, he added.
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Translator: Lia Santosa, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
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