RADARNTT, Jakarta – The presence of 1.2 million vaccines in Indonesia provides hope for the handling of COVID-19 in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the government is waiting for the results of phase III clinical trials and evaluation of the Food and Drug Administration (Badan POM), as the basis for issuing a permit to use the COVID-19 vaccine.
On the other hand, the development of confusing information in the community regarding vaccines is often misleading. This inaccurate and inappropriate information affects the level of public acceptance of vaccines. Therefore, it is necessary to straighten information to the public in order to answer doubts.
Regarding the mutation of the COVID-19 virus in the UK, vaccinologist and Internal Medicine Specialist, dr. Dirga Sakti Rambe explained that this is the nature of the virus.
“The virus must be mutating. In order not to keep mutating, we must minimize or stop the spread of disease. Alhamdulillah, until now these mutations have had no impact on the effectiveness of the vaccine. But we don’t know, one more year what the impact of this mutation will be. Therefore, I emphasize that we must consistently implement the 3M preventive protocol (wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping our distance) so that we can prevent the spread of COVID-19, ”he explained in a Productive Dialogue with the theme“ Reveal Vaccine Facts, Don’t Be Fooled by Hoaxes. “Which was held by the Committee for Handling COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery (KPCPEN), Tuesday (29/12/2020).
dr. Dirga explained that the COVID-19 vaccine is classified as a dead vaccine. “A dead vaccine means the vaccine that is given to our bodies has no risk, or zero risk, of causing disease. So it is impossible for anyone after being vaccinated against COVID-19 to become sick with COVID-19. That is the advantage of dead vaccines, “he said.
dr. Dirga also calmed the public not to worry about the ADE phenomenon (Antibody-dependant enhancement) on the COVID-19 vaccine. “But it turns out that ADE in various studies and clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine has not been proven. Until now, for all brands of the COVID-19 vaccine, this risk has not occurred, “he said.
According to dr. Dirga, the safety profile of the clinical trial process for all COVID-19 vaccine brands was carried out very well. So that there are no serious side effects as far as clinical trials are carried out.
Meanwhile in the process of making the COVID-19 vaccine, dr. Dirga revealed that WHO has implemented a 50 percent standard for the effectiveness of the COVID vaccine.
“From the WHO, 50 percent of the minimum requirements for the efficacy or effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine are good. This means that if the vaccine is below 50 percent it is not suitable for distribution. But vaccines whose effectiveness is 90 percent, 80 percent or even 60 or 70 percent during this time of a pandemic, the impact is very pronounced and very important. Because until now we don’t have a vaccine or cure for COVID-19, ”he added.
By applying the precautionary principle, the existing vaccines in Indonesia can only be given to the public within the age limit of 18-59 years. This age limit is because during the clinical trial period, the participating volunteers were in that age range.
“The possibility of giving the COVID-19 vaccine for either the elderly or children is still wide open, but we have to wait for further research,” explained dr. Dirga.
dr. Dirga also considered it wrong if there was an opinion that each country should have a different vaccine. “Later, clinical trial data from various countries will be analyzed simultaneously, so that from there we can conclude a complete picture of the level of safety and effectiveness,” he said.
dr. Dirga also asked the public not to be afraid of a mild KIPI (Post Immunization Ikutan Event), because the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine are much greater.
“So this COVID-19 vaccine will protect us from being affected by the symptomatic COVID-19, including severe COVID-19, to avoid dying from COVID-19,” he said.
Although AEFI should not be worried, the public must be honest in disclosing their health condition before receiving the vaccine.
“So before the vaccine was given there was already an observation process. So the doctor or health worker will ask first on that day whether you are healthy, have other diseases or not, have other history or not. People don’t have to worry, as long as they meet the requirements that person deserves to be vaccinated, ”concluded dr. Dirga.
To get official and reliable information, the public can access information about health management, the COVID-19 vaccine, and national economic recovery at www.covid19.go.id. (TIM/RN)
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