The Indonesian government has decided that provision of the COVID-19 vaccine booster will be free of charge for all residents.
"The public is expected to follow the booster vaccine mechanism regulated by the government through the Health Ministry," Plate noted in a written statement, Thursday.
According to the minister, the other requisite to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine booster is that the vaccine recipients must be 18 years of age and above.
People receiving additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine must also ensure that they have received the complete dose within a minimum time gap of six months.
The elderly and vulnerable groups, or those from the immunocompromised group, are those prioritized to receive a vaccine booster.
The priority group of people can check their e-ticket for the vaccine booster schedule through their PeduliLindungi application or head directly to the nearest health facility along with their ID card and proof of full dose vaccination.
"The government urges the public to follow the mechanisms that have been regulated," Plate emphasized.
The mechanism readied by the government through the Ministry of Health prioritizes the public's health.
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This method also offers a sense of certainty to the community to ensure fulfilment of their right to a vaccine booster without paying for it.
"Hence, do not accept any paid booster vaccine offering," he emphasized.
The provision of a vaccine booster in Indonesia commenced on January 12. Those having received the full dose of vaccination can check their eligibility to receive the vaccine booster through the PeduliLindungi application.
Based on data from the Health Ministry until Thursday noon, over 173 million people had received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while more than 118 million of them had been fully vaccinated with the second jab. Meanwhile, 1,333,610 health workers had received the vaccine booster.
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Translator: Livia K, Resinta Sulistiyandar
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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