"Vaccines continue to arrive. This time, four million Sinovac vaccine doses arrived on November 8, 2021," he informed.
With the arrival of the 115th batch, the total number of vaccines that Indonesia has received so far, both in the form of bulk and finished products from several vaccine brands, has reached 365 million, he noted.
According to Plate, the government is optimistic about reaching the target of vaccinating 70 percent of the targeted recipients by the end of 2021 due to the smooth arrival of vaccine stocks.
"The smooth arrivals of vaccines have made efforts to accelerate and expand the vaccination program more optimal because the number of Indonesians who have been vaccinated continues to increase," he remarked.
The government is targeting to provide the second dose of vaccination to at least 123 million recipients by the end of the year, he noted.
Minister Plate reminded that vaccination is not only an effort to protect oneself but also one's family and the whole community.
Besides vaccinations, the government has also reminded the public to keep complying with the health protocols, especially since the rainy season has come, he said.
Related news: COVID-19 vaccine coverage reaches 80% in Bantul: official
"Stamina and endurance should be maintained so that we do not become a friendly host for the virus," he added.
To boost immunity against COVID-19, the Indonesian government launched a nationwide vaccination program on January 13, 2021. President Joko Widodo was the first vaccine recipient under the program.
According to the Health Ministry's data, as of November 8, 2021, nearly 125,468,157 citizens have received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, while 79,340,983 have been fully vaccinated against the virus.
Related news: Indonesia continues to secure COVID vaccines to reach target: Kominfo
Translator: Natisha A, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
