Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Complete Basic Immunization Only Reached 58.4 Percent as of October 2021

TRIBUNNEWS.COM, JAKARTA – In the last two years, since the world was affected by the pandemic, the implementation of immunization services has been quite challenging.

Globally, by 2020 the WHO released there were 23 million children under the age of one year who did not receive basic immunization which is the highest figure since 2009.

In Indonesia, the Ministry of Health and UNICEF reported that 84 percent of child immunization health service facilities in Indonesia were affected by Covid-19 so that the achievement basic immunization The complete data collection has only reached 58.4 percent of the target of 79.1 percent as of October 2021.

Plt. Director of Immunization Management at the Ministry of Health, dr. Prima Yosephine MKM said, responding to this challenge the government has issued and disseminated the Decree of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia concerning Technical Guidelines to regulate the implementation of routine immunization services during the COVID-19 pandemic and to accelerate immunization for children whose status is not complete.

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“In addition to being vigilant about the COVID-19 virus that is continuously maintained, immunization services for children must still be provided to avoid the risk of Extraordinary Events (KLB) caused by diseases that can be prevented by immunization,” said dr. Prima in the commemoration of World Immunization Week (PID), Monday (18/4/2022).

Potential outbreaks of outbreaks can occur considering that diseases that can be prevented by immunization (PD3I) such as diphtheria can be contagious.

Diphtheria is a bacterium that attacks the respiratory tract on the mucous membranes of the nose and throat which makes it difficult for children to breathe.

“In November and December 2021, it was reported that three districts in South Sulawesi, Bulukumba Regency, Sidenreng Rappang Regency, and Barru Regency experienced outbreaks of diphtheria and measles,” said Prima.

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Pediatrician, Prof. DR. dr. Hartono Gunardi, Sp.A(K) said, to avoid the occurrence and spread of cases of Extraordinary Events (KLB), it is important for parents to complete and catch up on immunizations for children who are left behind without having to repeat the immunization schedule from the beginning.

The role of immunization has proven to be effective in increasing the body’s immunity so that it can prevent various diseases.

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