Soepardi highlighted the increasingly limited stocks of vaccines and mutations of the COVID-19 virus resulting in various new variants that were also more lethal.
"The SARS-CoV-2 virus variant is getting increasingly more virulent. The government will find it easier to fight it by using vaccines from various brands, such as Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Moderna, and Pfizer," Jane noted in a statement here on Saturday.
Realizing the importance of vaccines, greater number of people have come forward to get vaccinated. Jane called to maintain this positive trend since based on data, COVID-19 will have a more lethal impact on patients that had not received vaccinations.
"The data showed that more cases of illnesses and deaths were experienced by unvaccinated people," according to the doctor of Health Services Research from Erasmus University, the Netherlands.
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The same opinion was also echoed by Dr Soedjatmiko, SpA(K), MSi, a professor at the Faculty of Medicine, the University of Indonesia. He also reminded the public of the importance of vaccination to avoid the dangers of COVID-19.
Based on data, Soedjatmiko noted that over 120 thousand people in Indonesia had succumbed to COVID-19. “Many children have lost their parents due to this virus. Parents not wanting to get vaccinated means they do not love their children and their families, as they allow them to be more susceptible to the coronavirus," the professor stated.
Soedjatmiko remarked that the global community was currently scrambling to get vaccinated. They are now increasingly understanding and realizing the benefits of vaccines to protect them from the dangers of COVID-19.
"All vaccines are equally beneficial. If people delay vaccination in order to get the expected vaccine, it will endanger them, as it allows the transmission and spread of COVID-19 to other family members. Hence, just get the vaccination immediately, both for children aged 12 years and over, adults, and the elderly, so that our families are protected from COVID-19," he affirmed.
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Soedjatmiko also reminded the public that vaccination must be followed through strict implementation of health protocols. People should avoid crowds, always wear masks properly, keep a safe and required distance, and always wash hands with soap.
"The most important aspect is the people's efforts to not travel and get involved in crowds. Wherever and whoever, they should not travel except for very important activities. Children and adults must always wear masks properly, as it will provide 70-90 percent protection from the dangers of COVID-19," he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Minister of Communication and Informatics Johnny G. Plate reiterated that all vaccines used in the country had cleared various tests to ensure their safety, efficacy, and quality.
"Tests have also been conducted by the BPOM (Food and Drug Supervisory Agency) and experts to ensure that all vaccines are safe, have high effectiveness, and are of good quality," Plate noted.
The BPOM had earlier given approval for emergency use for six types of COVID-19 vaccines, including CoronaVac, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Moderna, and Comirnaty (Pfizer).
The BPOM has conducted quality control checks through sampling and testing at the Center for Drug and Food Testing Development before distributing and permitting the use of the vaccines.
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Translator: Devi Nindy Sari Ramadhan, Katr
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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