"The RV immunization targets infants aged two months or babies born on May 16, 2023," Health Ministry's spokesperson, Muhammad Syahril, stated here on Monday.
Syahril noted that the national RV vaccination is part of the 78th Indonesian Independence Day commemoration.
The RV vaccine is administered as oral drops, with five drops or 0.5 ml per dose. Infants aged two months should get three doses at an interval of every four weeks.
"(Ideally,) the last dose of RV vaccine is given to infants aged six months and 29 days," he remarked.
RV immunization services can be obtained at integrated health service posts (posyandu) and other health facilities that serve routine immunization, such as local health centers (puskesmas), smaller puskesmas, public and private hospitals, clinics, independent doctor and midwife practices, and immunization service posts.
Syahril stated that this activity is a continuation of a similar program that was held last year in 21 districts and cities in 18 provinces, with 196,876 babies targeted.
RV immunization was intensified in the 21 districts and cities owing to the high severity and mortality rates of diarrhea in toddlers.
"We also considered the readiness of regional resources for the implementation of immunization," he stated.
On a separate occasion, the ministry's Director General of Disease Prevention and Control Maxi Rein Rondonuwu stated that RV immunization is relatively safe and effective for infants.
"In general, (RV) vaccines do not cause serious reactions after injection," he remarked.
Common reactions may include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and fussy behavior in newborns.
If infants miss their RV immunization, then parents should get them immunized before they turn six months of age.
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Translator: Andi F, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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