Those vaccine jockeys are hindering government efforts in protecting the people against COVID-19. We warn others not to offer themselves as vaccine jockeys
Semarang, Central Java (ANTARA) - Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo has asked police officers to take legal action against a woman arrested in Semarang, Central Java, recently for offering herself as a "vaccine jockey".



"Those vaccine jockeys are hindering government efforts in protecting the people against COVID-19. We warn others not to offer themselves as vaccine jockeys," Pranowo said here on Thursday.



The governor denounced individuals who, for economic or other personal reasons, are becoming proxies for others and taking COVID-19 shots.



Vaccination drives are not merely an effort to reach the target quota but also to protect the people against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the Governor stressed.



"We should not be tempted by money or opportunity, then offer ourselves as a vaccine jockey. We must remember that vaccination is not merely to fulfill a statistical quota, but also to protect the people's health," Pranowo said.



He urged residents who are reluctant to get vaccinated to seek an opinion from a health expert and those who are afraid of taking the vaccine to seek more information.



"Are you afraid of getting the injection? No worries, some children are even crying before being injected. But once they get the injection, the pain is just for several seconds. It would be a pity if some people are afraid of the injection needle and then decide not to get their vaccine," the governor remarked.



Apart from pushing public education and consultation to get more residents to take the vaccine, Pranowo also asked police officers to take legal action if they detect another "vaccine jockey".



Earlier, officers from Semarang regional police arrested DS, aged 41, for offering herself as a "vaccine jockey" at the Manyaran public health center in West Semarang.



Her ploy was discovered after a health worker at the public health center noticed a discrepancy in data provided by her during vaccination screening on Monday (January 3, 2022).



After the arrest, DS told police that she was offered Rp500 thousand (US$34.5) to serve as a substitute for another person who did not wish to get vaccinated. (INE)



EDITED BY INE







Translator: Wisnu Adhi N, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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