JAKARTA, AYOBANDUNG.COM – In the midst of a pandemic, the media is not only able to provide correct and valid information. As the fourth pillar of democracy, the media can also play a role in education about Covid-19, especially vaccine and immunization programs.
One of the factors for the success of the RM vaccination program in East Java in mid-2017 cannot be separated from the role of the media. The socialization and education that has been intensively carried out by the media in collaboration with the East Java Health Office has produced results with a high level of public awareness of participation in the measles-rubella or measles-rubella (MR) vaccination program at that time.
“The media really helps us in the task of immunization through education and public awareness. Media helps disseminate information so that people agree to be vaccinated, “said dr. Kohar Hari Santoso, Director of RSSA Malang and Chair of the East Java COVID-19 Working Group Tracking Team in a productive dialogue entitled “Learning from the success of the MR vaccine in East Java and the role of the media in vaccination” online at the Media Center Committee for Handling COVID-19 and Recovery National Economy (KPCPEN), Tuesday (17/11/2020).
The former head of the East Java Health Service admitted that initially many refused – because of the lack of information from health workers. So that a lot of false and untrue information circulates in the community.
“For example, there may always be fever or fever after vaccination. So at that time a child died and was said to have received the vaccine. After our team of clinical experts went to the field, it turned out that the child had dengue fever, ”he said.
Apart from involving the media, Dr Kohar said he had taken a cultural approach. The diverse cultural backgrounds and religious levels of the East Java population were a challenge for the local government to implement the IR vaccination efforts at that time.
“To form a positive public perception, we will go downstairs and visit religious figures, community leaders and key figures. After we socialize it and they realize the importance of vaccination, usually they will pass it on to their respective communities. But first, we first increase the capacity of our officers before going to the field, ”he explained.
Dr Kohar admits that all their efforts have not gone smoothly. Even in some places there were still resistance, so officers did not dare to enter the area.
“But we always take an approach to provide a good and correct understanding. Besides that, vaccination is not only RM, other routine immunizations must also be carried out and socialized, “he said.
Meanwhile, Wahyoe Boediwardhana, a reporter for the Sahabat Anak journalist community, said that media involvement can be used as the spearhead of socialization and education to the public.
“We who are concerned have the same vision and mission. We want to help the community, educate something positive about children’s education, ”said Wahyoe in the same forum.
He added, in conducting media socialization, one must understand the very diverse character of the people in each region in East Java.
The biggest challenge journalists face is tackling rumors about vaccines, he said.
“We prefer to flood the public with positive, correct information. So we don’t want to face hoax makers. We thought when we faced them we would spend more energy, it would be a waste. ” Wahyoe said.
So that all vaccine news reaches the public properly. Wahyoe and the East Java Sahabat Anak journalist community also continue to learn, increase their knowledge and understanding of immunization.
“Before deciding to convey a positive message to the public. Friends (journalists) are what we discussed first. We share as much knowledge as possible, “he said.
So far, various vaccine hoaxes continue to flood the community. Identify features in the news that are not true, and when in doubt, ask experts, such as doctors and experts, about reliable vaccines.
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