As of Monday (23/8), Indonesia has received more than 202 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine consisting of finished vaccines and bulk materials. Ready-to-use vaccines are processed and distributed by PT Bio Farma.
Corporate Secretary and Spokesperson for PT Bio Farma, Bambang Heriyanto, explained that currently Indonesia has available vaccines of around 175 million doses of finished vaccines, or almost half of the existing needs. In addition, Bio Farma is in charge of providing, also carrying out the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. So far, said Bambang, Bio Farma has distributed more than 114 million doses of vaccine to 34 provinces in Indonesia.
“Initially it was only at the provincial level, but it was increased to a deeper level, namely regencies/cities,” said Bambang in a written statement, Tuesday (24/8/2021).
Bambang explained that currently on the COVID-19 vaccine packaging there are tools to assist in tracking, so that the distribution process and the quantity of vaccine distributed are easily monitored. This feature also prevents counterfeiting of vaccines, because all of them have been properly recorded.
Bambang explained that every vaccine has provisions from BPOM and WHO in terms of handling.
“We use ‘cold chain management’ throughout the entire process to maintain temperature limits, so that vaccine quality is maintained,” said Bambang.
He reviewed that for the distribution of Sinovac vaccine which requires a storage temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius, Indonesia already has a good vaccine distribution chain to remote areas. In addition, there are also COVID-19 vaccine brands that require special treatment to maintain quality, such as Pfizer which requires a storage temperature of -70 degrees Celsius.
In addition, Bambang conveyed that distribution capacity was a challenge in the field, because the existing vaccine distribution channels had to accommodate the need for routine vaccines as well as the large number of COVID-19 vaccines.
“Therefore, we collaborate with many parties, including local governments, regarding the storage and distribution of this vaccine. We hope that every corner of Indonesia will have its vaccine needs fulfilled soon,” said Bambang.
He added that Bio Farma also takes about 1 month to prepare the bulk vaccine until it is ready for use. This production time includes the quarantine period, processing, quality testing, and so on. The finished vaccine must still go through quality control and wait for the lot release from BPOM.
To increase the availability of vaccines in the country, Bio Farma together with domestic institutions are also conducting research on the development of local-produced vaccines, which are expected to be launched next year.
Regarding the availability of vaccines, dr. Dirga Sakti Rambe, M.Sc, Sp.PD explained that Indonesia is currently using five vaccine products. Each vaccine, he said, has a different character profile, but the goal is the same, namely to provide protection.
“All brands are effective in preventing transmission, the risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19. Therefore, there is no need to choose vaccines. The best vaccine is the one currently available. It is the immunity of the community that will control the pandemic, so the more people who get vaccinated, the better. good. Immediate vaccination, immediately protected. No one is safe until everyone is safe, “said dr. Director General.
disclosed dr. Dirga, the main enemy of accelerating vaccination is misinformation circulating in the community.
“This is not only the responsibility of the government, we all have to move against it. Those who have been vaccinated, set an example for others,” said dr. Director General.
Doctor and Influencer dr. Nadia Alaydrus chimed in, influencers play a very important role in disseminating correct information to the public, by utilizing various social media platforms. With the help of social media, the reach of information dissemination becomes wider and forms of education can be packaged attractively through creative content.
He assessed that vaccines provide more benefits, compared to AEFI which is only temporary.
“In addition, the effect of the vaccine is not for one person, but for the community. It is important to make people around us aware that we are fighting the virus. We must discipline health protocols and immediately carry out vaccines,” said dr. Nadia.
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