Jakarta, November 22, 2022
In recent weeks, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, both globally and domestically, has been on the rise.
In an effort to mitigate the rise in cases and the emergence of new subvariants, the government has begun to increase coverage of COVID-19 vaccinations, both in full and booster doses. More recently, the Ministry of Health has allowed the administration of a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccination, or fourth injection, to seniors over the age of 60.
This policy is stated in circular letter number HK.02.02/C/5565/2022 regarding the 2nd booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination for the elderly group. Effective as stipulated by the Director-General for Disease Prevention and Control, Maxi Rein Rondonuwu, on November 22, 2022.
SE concerning the 2nd vaccination booster for the elderly
Ministry of Health COVID-19 spokesperson M. Syahril said the policy was implemented to provide additional protection to vulnerable groups, to reduce the severity and even death from COVID-19.
At the same time, the Circular also intends to encourage the Regions and health facilities that administer public and private vaccinations to carry out a second booster vaccination against COVID-19 for the elderly.
The vaccines that can be used for the second booster dose are those that have received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the POM Agency and ITAGI recommendations, and pay attention to the vaccines available in each region.
The following is a vaccine regimen that can be used for a second booster vaccination for the elderly, including:
1. Combination for the first Sinovac booster
– AstraZeneca is given half dose (half dose) or 0.25 ml
– Pfizer is given half dose (half dose) or 0.15 mL
– Moderna is given a full dose or 0.5 ml
– Sinopharm is given a full dose (whole dose) or 0.5 ml
– Sinovac is given as a whole dose (whole dose) or 0.5 ml
– Indovac is given a full dose (whole dose) or 0.5 ml
2. Combination for the first recall of AstraZeneca
– Moderna is given half dose (half dose) or 0.25 ml
– Pfizer is given half dose (half dose) or 0.15 mL
– AstraZeneca is given as a whole dose (whole dose) or 0.5 ml
3. Combination for Pfizer’s first booster
– Pfizer is given a full dose (whole dose) or 0.3 mL
– Moderna is given half dose (half dose) or 0.25 ml
– AstraZeneca is given as a whole dose (whole dose) or 0.5 ml
4. The combination for Moderna’s first booster
– Moderna is given half dose (half dose) or 0.25 ml
– Pfizer is given half dose (half dose) or 0.15 mL
5. Janssen First Booster Combination (J&J)
– Janssen (J&J) was given a full dose or 0.5 ml
– Pfizer is given a full dose (whole dose) or 0.5 mL
– Moderna is given half dose (half dose) or 0.25 ml
6. The combination for Sinopharm’s first booster
– Sinopharm is given a full dose (whole dose) or 0.5 ml
– Zivifax is given as a whole dose (whole dose) or 0.5 ml
7. The combination for the first Covovax booster
– Covovax is given as a whole dose (whole dose) or 0.5 ml
“Regarding the second COVID-19 booster vaccination for the elderly, it can be administered at least 6 (six) months after the first booster is administered, while for the elderly who have not had the first booster, the first booster is obtained immediately. We urge older adults to ensure their primary vaccination should be completed sooner,” said Dr. Syahril.
In addition, Dr. Syahril stressed that the acceleration of booster vaccinations for the two elders goes hand in hand with the first and first booster vaccinations. Its implementation also needs to be evenly distributed throughout Indonesia, bearing in mind that there are still several areas where primary and booster vaccination coverage is still less than 70% of the population.
“The acceleration of both primary and booster vaccinations must be done considering that the majority of deceased COVID-19 patients are people who have not been vaccinated, the elderly and people with comorbidities,” said Dr. Syahril.
For this reason, his party encourages the continuation of intensification in areas where vaccination coverage has not yet reached the goal of herd immunity of at least 70% of the population.
dr. Syahril also asked people who had not been vaccinated or who had not completed their primary dose as well as booster shots, especially the elderly, to get vaccinated immediately at health facilities or the nearest vaccination service post.
“Given the high risk factor, we appeal to people who have not been vaccinated or whose vaccinations are incomplete, to complete it as soon as possible. Do not linger and do not be squeamish about vaccines, because the best vaccination is a vaccination that do now,” said Dr. Syahril.
This news was broadcast by the Bureau of Communication and Public Services, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. For more information, please contact Halo Ministry of Health via toll-free number 1500-567, SMS 081281562620, fax (021) 5223002, 52921669. (MF)
Head of the Communications and Public Service Office
dr. Sites Nadia Tarmizi, M. Epid
