"If children's immunization drops below 60 percent, it may trigger diseases that (have previously been) controlled (prior) to outbreak," IDAI chairman Piprim Basarah Yanuarso said in a press statement on Monday.
The Littleku program is expected to provide inputs to IDAI regarding routine reports on cases of diseases that can be prevented through immunization, such as diphtheria, measles, and rubella, he informed.
Currently, basic immunization coverage among children has declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which struck the country in March 2020, he noted. Therefore, intensive education is needed for the community to understand the importance of complete immunization of children, he said.
"Many doctors are worried about the late injection or immunization to children," he added.
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Basic and advanced immunizations are also important to maintain children's immunity, especially to protect them during limited face-to-face learning (PTM) activities in school, Yanuarso said.
To support the Littleku program, all IDAI branches in the regions will need to set up social media accounts to educate children and parents about the benefits of immunization, he added.
The Littleku program is expected to regularly update data on diseases that can be prevented by immunization (PD3I), he said.
"Officials from IDAI have started regular meetings, including submitting reports regarding PD3I data, vaccination coverage, immunization data by non-program doctors, and branch follower data," he informed.
Consultations via phone calls will also be offered under the Littleku program, Yanuarso said.
"We have created an IDAI hotline to support healthcare inquiries. If someone wants to ask about immunization, they can call the hotline," he added.
According to the Indonesian Health Ministry, as of October 2021, the complete basic immunization coverage nationwide has reached just 56.5 percent of the target of 78 percent.
Provinces that have successfully fulfilled the target and provided complete basic immunization to children against Hepatitis B, BCG, Polio, and DPT include Bengkulu, Banten, South Sumatra, South Sulawesi, and Bangka Belitung, it reported.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
