When asked whether the booster should be given to survivors, I said no. However, when asked whether it is necessary, we will see case by caseSolo, C Java (ANTARA) - Health expert at Sebelas Maret University Dr Tonang Dwi Ardyanto, Sp.PK, PhD emphasized that the individual condition of target recipients should be considered for the third dose or booster vaccine jab.
“Scientifically, (to find out) when someone needs a booster, they should be tested first to see the extent to which the person's antibody level has declined. However, we currently do not do that, so we prioritize the interval (after the second dose)," he remarked here, Friday.
If the government plans to administer the booster to those having taken the second dose vaccination at least six months back, Ardyanto suggested that the booster be given 12 months after the second jab.
With regard to booster vaccination for COVID-19 survivors, Ardyanto assessed that each person’s antibody level should be taken into account first.
According to Ardyanto, the antibodies produced in each survivor varied.
Related news: Indonesian government invites public to receive vaccine booster
"There are survivors with high levels of antibodies, while some have low levels. Those without symptoms especially tend to have low levels of antibodies," he pointed out.
Ardyanto noted that individuals with the most robust immunity against COVID-19 are those, who had been vaccinated and had been infected by the virus, as they have double the number of antibodies in their bodies.
"When asked whether the booster should be given to survivors, I said no. However, when asked whether it is necessary, we will see case by case," he remarked.
The clinical pathology lecturer admitted that he prefers to call booster vaccinations optional, as there are two ways to get the injection: paid and free from the government.
Related news: North Jakarta: Vaccinations for children rolled out at 15 sites
On the other hand, he noted that the first and second dose vaccinations must be administered immediately to people that had yet to be inoculated.
In a bid to boost immunity against COVID-19, the Indonesian government has launched a nationwide vaccination program on January 13, 2021.
According to data provided by the Health Ministry, as of January 7, 2022, nearly 168,819,593 citizens have received their first COVID-19 jab, while 116,114,884 have been fully vaccinated against the virus.
The Ministry of Health had earlier announced that the booster or third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine would be rolled out to the public from January 12, 2022.
Related news: RI ranks among top five countries with highest vaccination coverage
Related news: C Java Governor calls for legal action against 'vaccine jockeys'
Translator: Aris Wasita, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
