"Reflecting on experiences in other countries, generally the peak of cases occurred around 16 to 33 days. While the peak of hospitalization was around 29–49 days later since this subvariant was first discovered," Adisasmito noted at an online press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The two subvariants emerged on June 6, 2022, or about 36 days ago, therefore, the possibility of an increase in cases remains open, he said. However, this potential could be prevented with a clean and healthy lifestyle.
Adisasmito referred to a statement delivered by President Joko Widodo during the Eid al-Adha celebrations on July 10, which emphasized the importance of wearing masks, solely for safety, amid the increase in cases.
"From data and facts, people who did not practice a clean and healthy lifestyle had the possibility to have re-infection even though they had received vaccine booster," he pointed out.
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He explained that in principle, vaccines provide three major benefits—preventing infection, preventing severe symptoms, and reducing the number of viruses in the body to limit transmission.
A person who has been fully vaccinated and obtained a booster vaccine is not guaranteed to be 100 percent immune from COVID-19.
"As the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) announced that the average efficacy of vaccines during clinical trials never reached 100 percent perfect, even for vaccines for other diseases," he highlighted.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that the ideal efficacy rate for vaccines that are suitable for use is 50 percent. All vaccines in Indonesia have an efficacy of above 50 percent. Therefore, Adisasmito said that all existing vaccines in Indonesia are guaranteed to be effective.
A re-infection after vaccination or a breakthrough infection can happen to anyone, especially vulnerable populations such as people with impaired immunity, comorbid patients, and the elderly, he added.
"Breakthrough infections will occur more often if the increase in the number of viruses around us is not balanced with high compliance with the health protocols," he said.
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Translator: Devi Nindy S R, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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