INILAH, Bandung – Immunization is recognized as the most effective preventive measure against disease and can improve public health. Not only that, vaccines also prevent various diseases that can cause disability and death.
This was conveyed by Deputy Mayor of Bandung Yana Mulyana when opening the Preparation for the Implementation of the Month of School Children Immunization (BIAS) during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Bandung City 2020 virtually, Tuesday (3/11/2020).
According to him, immunization essentially seeks to increase the human body’s resistance. Especially for children of primary school age or the equivalent in grades one, two, and five. Immunization will also be carried out in BIAS activities.
“As recommended by ITAGI (National Immunization Expert Advisory Committee), further immunization must be completed according to schedule. However, because the month of immunization is affected by the pandemic, the schedule has been postponed to November to December 2020,” said Yana.
He said, in the routine immunization of the BIAS activity, first graders will be given vaccines or immunizations for measles, rubella, and DT or Tetanus Diphtheria, while grades two and five will be given TD or Tetanus Diphtheria immunization.
BIAS is planned to be implemented in schools by observing health protocols. The technique is arranged by the puskesmas in coordination with schools and the Regional Task Force. Meanwhile, information related to BIAS is carried out by schools to target parents.
“Children in grades one, two and five in the BIAS activity will receive protection from measles, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus, which are a continuation of the immunization that children have received at the age of 18 months. With this activity 98 percent of class children 1, 2, and 5 can be immunized. The implementation of BIAS can also be supported by all parties, especially through the existing forum, namely the School Health Management Team (TP UKS), “he said.
Yana also invited the whole community, especially school principals and elementary school teachers or equivalent in Bandung City to improve the health status of children, invited to school to be given immunizations in BIAS activities.
“This is so that they can grow well, be healthy and have quality. Of course, by always implementing health protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands with soap and running water and maintaining distance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Bandung City Health Office, Rita Verita, said that even though the Covid-19 pandemic still exists, the BIAS program must still be implemented as an effort to Prevent Disease by Immunization (PD3I).
“The postponement of immunization will cause risks in the future, so that in November-December 2020 this must be implemented by schools. Of course, by implementing standard health protocols and immunization guidelines during the Covid-19 pandemic. From 584 elementary schools / equivalent in Bandung, it is expected that 98 percent of class children 1,2 and 5 receive immunizations to avoid disease. I believe the immunization program during this pandemic must continue to be implemented and run well, “said Rita. (Yogo Triastopo)
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