The ministry’s Director of Immunisation, Indri Yogyaswari, said the campaign will focus on three priorities: delivering additional vaccines at evacuation shelters, covering communities directly affected by the disasters, and targeting areas where suspected measles cases have been detected.
Speaking in Jakarta on Monday, Indri said the measures follow a Health Ministry circular on controlling vaccine-preventable diseases issued for three disaster-affected provinces.
She acknowledged, however, that the rollout faces persistent obstacles, including limited vaccine supplies, damaged cold-chain and storage facilities, and a shortage of trained vaccinators in the field.
Indri stressed the importance of immunisation from several angles, starting with individual protection. Vaccination, she said, helps build antibodies that prevent severe illness, disability and death.
“From the broader perspective, there are two key aspects, and the first is the formation of herd immunity,” Indri said.
With sufficient coverage, she explained, the transmission of disease-causing pathogens can be suppressed. Even if infections occur, their impact is reduced because most people have already been vaccinated.
Immunisation also protects those living in close contact with children, she added.
Children depend on parents and family members and share the same environment, meaning vaccination helps safeguard entire households.
“We have a catch-up immunisation programme for age groups that missed vaccines at the recommended time,” Indri said.
She underlined that it is never too late for immunisation, urging parents to ensure children receive all required vaccines to strengthen herd immunity and prevent outbreaks.
Related news: Some 366 health centers in disaster-affected Aceh now operational
Earlier, the Aceh Provincial Health Office raised alerts over the potential spread of infectious diseases at evacuation sites for flood victims across several districts and cities affected by disasters in November 2025.
Acting Head of the Aceh Health Office Ferdiyus said in Banda Aceh on Friday that evacuees had begun showing symptoms of infectious illnesses, including acute respiratory infections, skin diseases and diarrhoea.
“We are particularly alert to measles, which is our main concern as its transmission could trigger an outbreak,” he said.
To curb further spread, health workers have been instructed to isolate patients in separate tents, closely monitor evacuees and ensure infections do not spread within shelters.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie, Primayanti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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