"Vaccination should not be delayed while COVID-19 cases are on a decline. It should be bolstered instead," she affirmed.
At a webinar on COVID-19 and vaccination acceleration, the spokesperson noted that the government should address this trend of reduced vaccination at the provincial, district, and city levels.
The government should pursue vaccination, as the declining count of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia should become a golden opportunity to expedite domestic vaccination.
Related news: Decline in vaccinations due to improved conditions: Health Ministry
Tarmizi also drew attention to the trend of people becoming picky about the vaccine brand.
This is despite the fact that all vaccine brands in Indonesia are safe and effective, so the people should not harbor concerns.
"All vaccines are beneficial. The side effect is normal as it is a form of our body's reaction when it is being trained by the vaccine to stimulate the immune system," she explained.
In addition, these vaccines can prevent people from contracting the new virus variants, she noted.
Despite several aspects that had yet to be researched in terms of efficacy, the protection offered by the vaccines is still strong, according to Tarmizi.
Currently, the national vaccination rate has reached 67 percent for the first dose and around 46 percent for the second dose, Tarmizi noted.
"This should be improved, especially vaccination for the elderly that has only reached 53 percent for the first dose," she affirmed.
In order to expedite vaccination, especially for the elderly, a direct method is necessary, such as through the door-to-door system.
Related news: Public should stay vigilant amid declining COVID-19 cases: Mayor
Translator: Evalisa Siregar, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Suharto
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