TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Epidemiologist from the University of Indonesia (UI), Pandu Riono, reminded that the Covid-19 vaccine is only one way to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. So, said Pandu, it is not right to make vaccines the ultimate weapon in controlling the virus.
Efforts to break the chain of transmission of Covid-19, he said, still depend on 3T (Tracing, Testing, Treatment) and 3M (using masks, washing hands, maintaining distance).
“Don’t think that vaccines are the only way to deal with a pandemic. We are all consumed by the opinion that because of our failure to deal with the pandemic, all of them rely on vaccines,” said Pandu in an online discussion, Saturday, December 19, 2020.
“Even though, vaccination that’s secondary prevention. Permanent primary prevention 3T and 3M. So, the vaccine should not be deified, “he continued.
Pandu gave an example that countries like Australia managed to restore their economies even before there was a Covid-19 vaccine. “Why? Because the pandemic is under control. Look at Wuhan, the place of origin of the Corona virus, now the economy is recovering there, without vaccines,” he said.
This, said Pandu, was conveyed not to dispel public expectations. But it is to make people aware to be realistic and remind the government not to just sell out hopes.
“Our goal is to deal with the pandemic. So all means, 3T and 3M are strengthened first. We can’t just ignore it. It is not the vaccine that controls the pandemic, but all the ways. Vaccines are only one way and not the only way,” he said. Pandu Riono.
DEWI NURITA
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