JAKARTA, investor.id – The data report states that due to Covid -19 there has been a decrease in vaccination coverage and a decrease in the number of vaccines given, which causes children to lose the opportunity to be vaccinated.
If many infants and toddlers do not get complete basic immunizations, there may be an outbreak of various diseases that can be prevented by immunization (PD3-I) that will result in severe illness, disability, or death.
Chairperson of the Indonesian Immunological Allergy Association (Peralmuni) Prof. Dr. Dr. Iris Rengganis SpPD KAI said the pandemic conditions also affected the schedule and procedures for immunization services both at Posyandu, Puskesmas, hospitals and other health facilities. In fact, since 2000, vaccinations to prevent infectious diseases have saved 37 million lives in low and middle income countries.
“In addition, control of infectious diseases through vaccination also has an important role in increasing life expectancy to 15-25 years,” he said during the Virtual Press Conference – World Immunization Week ‘The Importance of Vaccination in the Covid-19 Era’ #LindungikuLindungimu, Friday (23 / 4).
Director of Prevention and Control of Direct Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi M Epid, added that although currently the whole world, including Indonesia, is experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important for the public to continue to immunize according to the schedule and doctor’s recommendations to protect themselves from disease. dangerous infections, even deadly diseases.
In addition, success in increasing adult immunization coverage will have an impact on reducing mortality and morbidity and medical costs. For this reason, invite everyone to be vaccinated, and not delay the vaccination schedule during a pandemic in order to stay healthy and stay productive.
“In this case, the cooperation of all parties is needed to increase national vaccination coverage and improve the quality of public health. We also appreciate all parties who have actively participated in supporting the national vaccination program, “he explained.
Prof. DR dr Samsuridjal Djauzi SpPD K-AI FACP, Specialist in Internal Medicine Consultant Allergy Immunology Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital added that adults are at risk of disease because of the risk of decreased endurance caused by factors of age, occupation, lifestyle, travel, or health conditions .
With vaccination, a person can reduce the chance of developing certain diseases. For example, the hepatitis B vaccine, which can reduce the risk of liver cancer or the flu vaccine, which can reduce the risk of heart attack or serious complications in people with diabetes and chronic lung disease.
In addition, vaccination can also reduce the chance of spreading the disease, especially to people or communities who may not be able to get certain vaccines because of their age or health conditions.
In the midst of a pandemic situation, continued Prof. Samsuridjal, giving vaccinations is increasingly important to better protect the population in Covid-19. Among them is the flu vaccination which is an effective way to reduce the spread of the influenza virus.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, WHO recommended influenza vaccination for vulnerable populations such as health workers, the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with certain chronic medical conditions.
“Not only the flu vaccine, it is very important for the public not to forget the importance of providing other routine vaccines for adults, such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningitis, Tdap and PCV,” added Prof. Samsuridjal.
Meanwhile, Joselito Del Mundo Sta Ana MD MPH – Country Lead Sanofi Indonesia & GM Sanofi Pasteur Indonesia said that they are committed to being a trusted and integrated health service partner, both globally and in Indonesia.
Therefore, we fully support the national vaccination program carried out by the Indonesian government. It fits with our mission to ensure that no one suffers or dies from vaccination-preventable diseases. Evidenced by the up to three million lives saved each year because of vaccination.
“In commemoration of World Immunization Week, Sanofi Pasteur and Peralmuni remind everyone to be vaccinated, and not delay the vaccination schedule for your child and yourself because of the pandemic so that we protect each other,” he concluded.
Editor : Mount Kunjana ([email protected])
