Dengue Fever Vaccination Can Save Children from Fatal Infection: Indonesian Pediatrician Association

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Head of the Working Unit for Coordination of Infection and Tropical Diseases of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association Dr. Anggraini Alam, SpA(K) said that dengue fever vaccination can reduce the risk of a child getting a severe dengue infection that can cause death.

According to Anggraini, through a written statement on Friday, a severe infection with dengue fever can cause leakage of blood plasma or the child may go into shock and this condition can cause death in some cases of dengue fever.

“With the vaccine that can be given regardless of previous experience of dengue fever, it is hoped that more children will be protected from dengue fever,” said Anggraini.

Anggraini also said that vaccination could reduce the rate of hospitalization due to dengue fever so that it would reduce the burden of significant hospitalization costs and lost work and school time due to hospitalization.

Dengue fever vaccination for children and adults currently has received recommendations from IDAI and the Association of Indonesian Internal Medicine Specialists (PAPDI). Vaccinations can be given to everyone aged 6-45 years, with advice from a doctor.

Anggraini reminded that there is no specific treatment for dengue fever so that people should not underestimate the symptoms of dengue fever. Symptoms of the disease can include headaches accompanied by high fever and pain in muscles, bones and joints.

Regarding vaccines, the Head of the Communications and Public Services Bureau of the Ministry of Health Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi through the same written statement, said that although it has not yet become a program, the DHF vaccine has become the recommended immunization of choice.

The Ministry of Health is targeting cases of dengue fever to be less than 10 per 100,000 population in 2024, and there will be 0 cases of death in 2030. In addition to 3M Plus Mosquito Nest Eradication (PSN), the Ministry of Health is also utilizing Wolbachia technology, a bacterium that can grow naturally in insects. especially mosquitoes.

Nadia added, cooperation with the support of partners between the government and the private sector will help accelerate the achievement of the target of eliminating dengue fever in Indonesia.

Reporter: Lia Wanadriani Santosa
Editor: Andilala
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