"I think the Kramat Jati Health Center can be a good example for other health facilities," said acting director general for disease prevention and control at the Health Ministry, Maxi Rein Rondonuwu, who attended the launch.
The booster vaccinations began at 8 a.m. local time, he informed. The health center also continued to administer first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, he added.
"It's interesting that the administration of the first and second doses is also being carried out (at the health center) at special tables and by different vaccinators. I think this is a good example that we could use to prevent vaccines from being accidentally swapped," he said.
According to Rondonuwu, Indonesia has adequate COVID-19 vaccines to support the national vaccination drive.
Related news: 200 residents of every subdistrict in W Jakarta get booster shots
"We have adequate stocks of vaccines. Right now, we have 130 million doses at Bio Farma (state-owned pharmaceutical company)," he informed.
President Joko Widodo on Tuesday announced that the booster vaccinations would begin on January 12, 2022.
"The government will start administering the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on January 12, 2022. We will prioritize the vaccine for the elderly and vulnerable groups," he said.
The booster vaccine is important for increasing the community's immunity in view of the fact that the coronavirus has continued to mutate, he added.
"I have decided that the COVID-19 booster vaccine will be free of charge for all Indonesians because once again I emphasize that people's safety is our first priority," the President said.
People who have been fully vaccinated for a minimum of six months will be eligible for the booster, he added.
Related news: Jakarta's public health centers commence offering booster shots
Translator: Andi Firdaus, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
