Indonesian Health Official Clarifies Vaccine Composition Amidst Pork Concerns
concerns regarding pork-derived ingredients in Indonesian vaccines have been addressed by a leading health expert. Dr. Raehanul Bahraen, a science advisor and member of the Indonesian Muslim Professionals (KIPMI), recently issued a statement clarifying the situation.
Speaking at a public health event in Jakarta’s Tebet community Health Center last Thursday, Dr. Bahraen definitively stated, “the national vaccine program does not use pork. Hepatitis B does not use pork, nor do the others.”
However, a nuance was introduced regarding the Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV). dr. Bahraen explained that while this particular vaccine utilizes pig enzymes as a catalyst during production, “no pork elements were detected in the final result.” This distinction is crucial in addressing public anxieties surrounding religious dietary restrictions.
addressing the issue of imported vaccines, Dr. Bahraen clarified that any vaccines containing pork products are intended for foreign nationals residing in Indonesia, not for indonesian citizens. he explained, “Why do you need imported vaccines? As in Indonesia there are also people from abroad and when it comes to vaccine schedules they look for vaccine schedules from other countries and it might very well be different from in Indonesia.”
Further emphasizing the point, he noted that even imported vaccines containing pork are required by the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) to have their ingredients listed in Indonesian on the packaging.This clarity measure ensures consumers are fully informed.
Dr. Bahraen highlighted the critically important role of Bio Farma, a state-owned Indonesian pharmaceutical company, in vaccine production.He stated, “Bio Farma has exported 60 percent of the world’s vaccines. the majority of countries in Central Asia, Southeast asia, West Asia, Saudi Arabia use vaccines from Bio Farma.” This underscores Indonesia’s prominent position in global vaccine manufacturing and distribution.
This clarification from a respected health official aims to alleviate concerns and promote public trust in Indonesia’s national immunization program. The transparency regarding vaccine composition and the emphasis on the availability of pork-free options for Indonesian citizens are key takeaways from this proclamation.
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
