I am not tired of asking local governments that have not met the target of 30 percent (coverage) for booster vaccinations, especially regions that are still experiencing a high increase in casesJakarta (ANTARA) - The COVID-19 Handling Task Force has urged regional governments to increase the coverage of the third or COVID-19 booster dose, especially in regions that are experiencing a spike in coronavirus infections.
Speaking at a virtual press conference, which was followed from here on Thursday, coordinator of the expert team of the task force, Prof. Wiku Adisasmito, said that the government is currently focusing on encouraging the community to complete their COVID-19 vaccinations, including the booster dose.
"I am not tired of asking local governments that have not met the target of 30 percent (coverage) for booster vaccinations, especially regions that are still experiencing a high increase in cases," he remarked.
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In particular, he highlighted provinces that are still experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, such as Banten, East Java, and Central Java, and asked them to increase their booster dose coverage promptly.
The role of leaders, such as governors, mayors, and district heads, down to the neighborhood level, in regions is crucial and includes inviting the public to get vaccinated, including getting the booster dose, considering that the effectiveness of the vaccine decreases after six months for normal adults and three months for older adults.
"In principle, the government has always continued to disseminate information and protect the community to maintain high herd immunity," he stressed.
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As part of efforts to boost community immunity against COVID-19, the Indonesian government launched a nationwide vaccination program on January 13, 2021. President Joko Widodo was the first vaccine recipient under the program.
Overall, the government is targeting to vaccinate as many as 234,666,020 citizens across the country.
According to data provided by the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, as of August 18, 2022, as many as 203,037,880 Indonesians have received the first vaccine dose, 170,558,244 have been administered the second dose, and 58,929,057 have taken the booster shot.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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