"The DKI Jakarta Health Service is targeting the widespread dissemination of information regarding this free PCV immunization," Head of the DKI Jakarta Health Service Ani Ruspitawati stated on Monday.
Ruspitawati elaborated that the public can receive this vaccine at government-owned health service facilities and non-government hospitals as a step to participate in strengthening routine immunization through community health centers in their area.
She highlighted that PCV immunization coverage for babies in 2023 was recorded at 139,887, or 84.48 percent. Meanwhile, this year's coverage until mid-May totaled 27,784 babies or 19.27 percent.
Meanwhile, PCV coverage for children under two years of age or toddlers in 2023 was 66,419 (39.24 percent) and 39,716, or 23.98 percent, until mid-May of 2024, Ruspitawati revealed.
Although PCV can be administered to adults, Ruspitawati said there are no official records of their vaccination coverage through the Ministry of Health's recording sources or her office.
PCV immunization is given at two and three months of age as basic immunization. A follow-up immunization will thereafter be given at the age of 12 months, she stated.
This injection is given simultaneously along with DPT-HB-Hib, polio drops, and rotavirus immunization. In particular, DPT-HB-Hib immunization is known to prevent pneumonia caused by the Haemophilus influenzae type b virus.
Ruspitawati stated that immunization activities since 1977 have expanded to become the Immunization Development Program (PPI).
Her side has always endeavored to increase immunization awareness in the community through various means, such as by disseminating personal education at health facilities or via online and offline seminars for parents regarding education about immunization from pediatricians.
However, her side continues to face challenges, such as parents' refusal and their lack of knowledge about following the routine immunization schedule.
Related news: Taking dengue vaccine is still optional for public: Official
Related news: Govt calls for increase in awareness about immunization benefits
Translator: Lia Wanadriani S, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
