Basic Immunization Remains Important Even in a Pandemic

JAKARTA – The increasing number of Covid-19 cases raises concerns for parents not to bring their children to join the program immunization the foundation of the government. They are afraid that their children will be exposed to the virus when they participate in immunizations from health services such as posyandu or Public health center.

In response to that, Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) reminded the importance of parents to prioritize children’s health by following the basic immunization program. Vaccination is very important in order to prevent the potential for infection with infectious diseases that can attack the body’s immunity during growing children.

“Demand creation it’s important. Parents really have to bring their children for immunization. However, during this pandemic, they are afraid that their children will contract a dangerous infectious disease, ”said the Head of Public Relations and Welfare of IDAI Members, Hartono Gunadi in a virtual FMB9 discussion, Thursday (1/10/2020).

(Read: 25 Million Children Threatened Due to Covid-19, PB IDI Encourages These Two Things)

This concern is also influenced by the knowledge that parents have about immunization. Moreover, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Hartono emphasized that health workers still follow established health protocols so as to prevent the potential spread of the Corona virus.

“Knowledge is important. If the knowledge is lacking, we need to provide education to mothers or parents to understand or understand, accept and have a good attitude towards immunization, “he added.

He realized that there were a number of myths that emerged in the minds of the people. For example, side effects of fever after following immunization. This makes immunization services considered dangerous.

(Read: Posyandu Vacuum During the Pandemic, Many Pregnant Women Do Not Get Adequate Services)

Not only that, parents are also often afraid when children feel fussy, have less appetite after receiving basic immunization. According to Hartono, this condition is also common for some children.

“That’s a wrong concept. The side effects are mild and should go away in just a few days. If they are not immunized, the child’s immune system will actually decrease and become vulnerable, ”he said.

Hartono emphasized that basic immunization is the right of children to get protection and prevent infections that attack the body during their growth. Because of that, he hopes that parents can bring their children to join the vaccination program every month through free services from health facilities that have been provided free by the government.

(muh)

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