Some 507,748, or 36.97 percent of the residents had received the second dose of the vaccine.
Among those in the age group of 12 to 17 years, some 148,819, or 71.66 percent, had received the vaccine. The second vaccine shot was administered to 57 thousand, or 27.45 percent, of teenagers.
"Seeing the current vaccination (rate), it is estimated that Riau Islands would exceed the target set by President Jokowi, (which is) 70 percent by the end of 2021," Governor Ansar noted.
Related news: 75.52% of Riau Islands residents aged 18 and over vaccinated
Governor Ansar has always pushed for increasing the vaccination rate in Riau Islands for the first and second doses. This is part of the efforts to form herd immunity to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby boosting economic activities to return to pre-pandemic levels.
"We expect the economy sector to recover," Ansar noted.
He revealed that Riau Islands had ranked third in terms of the vaccination rate, following Jakarta and Bali. To maintain this ranking, the Riau Islands governor and Riau Islands Regional Leadership Coordination Forum had requested additional vaccine supplies from Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin.
The target to inoculate 1.4 million residents of Riau Islands can be realized sooner, should there be an ever-ready vaccine supply.
He lauded the public for its support, as it serves as an important factor in the success of the vaccination programs. He also credited the Regional House of Representatives, national defense force, police force, Riau Islands attorney, State Intelligence Agency, and everyone, in general.
"Hopefully, we can conduct activities as normal once again while still following the health protocols," he affirmed.
The teamwork helped to successfully suppress daily COVID-19 cases as well as amp up the regional vaccination rate.
Related news: Health Ministry lauds Riau islands' vaccination rate
Translator: Ogen, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
