"The results of research on sample data from the Sulianti Saroso Hospital, a referral hospital in Jakarta, of COVID-19 patients (admitted) in the intensive care room show that vaccination is very important to reduce the risk of infection," Tarmizi said in a written statement received here on Sunday.
Of 12 samples obtained from COVID-19 patients whose condition was severe or critical, six patients, or the equivalent of 50 percent, had not been vaccinated, she informed. Three of the unvaccinated patients who required intensive care died, she added.
"The data shows that vaccination is important to reduce the risk of the worst case of COVID-19, which is fatality. Older adults, children, people with comorbidities, and unvaccinated people, we need to pay attention to these four groups as they often become the most disadvantaged victims in this COVID-19 (pandemic) period," Tarmizi said.
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She also shared more data showing patients' comorbidities greatly affect the level of morbidity, saying diagnostic data has shown that all the patients who died had comorbidities.
"The complications of comorbidities and COVID-19 infection are very dangerous to a patient's life," she said.
Not only patients who died, all patients treated in intensive care units had at least one comorbidity, Tarimizi informed.
Even though vaccinated people mostly experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, the community must pay attention to those who are more vulnerable when infected, she said.
In addition, she stressed that completing vaccination is essential to prevent the risk of severe illness, or even death, from COVID-19.
"Especially for older adults and people with comorbidities, they should promptly get vaccinated. When it's time to get the booster shot, participate in booster vaccination immediately," the spokesperson said.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
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