In an online media briefing broadcast here on Friday, the ministry's director for immunization, Prima Yosephine, stated that at least 95 percent of those kids must be vaccinated to stop polio transmission.
She remarked that the vaccine is administered in two doses, with the second given two weeks after the first dose.
Yosephine pointed out that 32 provinces and 399 districts and cities are at high risk of polio transmission, particularly type 2. Hence, experts and global organizations recommended mass polio immunization to prevent further spread of the virus and tackle the ongoing epidemic.
She noted that since 2022, some 12 cases of polio, largely type 2, have been reported from several areas, such as Aceh, West Java, Central Java, and East Java. She opined that such cases occurred due to low coverage of the Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).
"If we want to give immunization, it must be like other immunizations for which coverage is extensive and evenly distributed. For what? Of course, to form herd immunity in those areas," she remarked.
The director also advocated administering the oral vaccine during the immunization week, as it builds the immune system in the intestines, thereby preventing the virus from multiplying in that area. She added that, by taking the oral vaccine, people nearby the child will be safer.
Yosephine noted that the polio vaccine, given via injection, is aimed at building the immune system in the blood and is, therefore, unable to prevent the virus from multiplying like the oral vaccine.
She stated that the poliovirus is highly transmissible, and it can spread if someone has unclean surroundings and maintains unsanitary habits, such as drinking unclean water, not cooking food thoroughly, and defecating anywhere.
The immunization program will take place at health facilities such as integrated health centers (posyandu) and some educational institutions, such as kindergartens and elementary schools.
The second part of PIN Polio will be hosted in 27 provinces, including West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, Bengkulu, Bangka Belitung, Central Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara, and North Maluku.
The five provinces of Central Papua, South Papua, Highlands Papua, West Papua, and Southeast Papua underwent the first part on May 27, 2024.
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Reporter: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: Arie Novarina
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