However, currently, booster vaccinations have not been made available for the general public.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia received 1,236 thousand Sinovac doses via the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access or COVAX facility on Wednesday.

The vaccines, which were the 182nd batch to arrive in the country, took the total number of vaccine doses Indonesia has received so far to 458,069,415.

"Hence, the total number of vaccines which have arrived in Indonesia since the first batch both in the form of raw materials as well as finished vaccines has reached 458,069,415 doses," director general of information and public communication at the Communication and Informatics Ministry, Usman Kansong, said on Wednesday.

The arrival of the vaccines shows the consistent efforts of the government for meeting the vaccine needs of more than 200 million Indonesian people, both through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, he added.

"Hence, from the beginning, the government has made diplomatic attempts to be able to get the vaccines quickly and smoothly,” he said.

He emphasized that adequate vaccine stocks are crucial for the success of the national vaccination program.


Related news: Mild side effects likely among COVID-19 vaccine's child recipients


The government is also expecting the community to actively participate in the program to establish herd immunity as soon as possible, he added.

"Getting vaccinated and conducting strict health protocols are the keys to fighting the pandemic," the director general remarked.

Furthermore, he informed that the government will roll out booster vaccinations in January 2022, therefore, vaccine stocks are being increased.

Two schemes have been prepared for the booster vaccination program, he said. Under the first scheme, vaccines will be administered free to elderly people and fund assistance recipients (PBI) under a Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) program, he noted.

The vaccines for the two categories will be provided using the state budget (APBN), he added.


Related news: Support development of indigenous vaccines: ministry


Meanwhile, the second scheme will provide paid booster vaccinations to non-elderly citizens who are not participating in the BPJS Kesehatan program, he said. The vaccines will be sold directly to the public by the designated pharmaceutical companies, he added.

"However, currently, booster vaccinations have not been made available for the general public. We hope the people can remain patient," he said.

The Indonesian government has started booster vaccinations for medical workers so far. According to the COVID-19 Task Force’s website, as of December 29, 2021, 1,286,928 health workers have received the boosters.



Related news: BPOM aims to start indigenous vaccine production by 2022 second half

Related news: COVID-19 booster vaccine available to public from January 4: Minister

Translator: Livia Kristianti, Uyu Liman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021