Health Ministry Seeks Double Immunization for Measles Cases
- U-Report
VIVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted 2,161 suspected measles cases in Indonesia. A total of 848 cases of which have been laboratory confirmed and 1,313 clinically compatible in 18 provinces out of 38 provinces, in the period January 1 to April 3, 2023.
Based on this, the government continues to strive for basic immunization coverage to protect Indonesian children from various diseases that can be prevented by immunization. The consecutive measles and polio outbreaks have become the "slap" for the health ministry to improve immunization outcomes.
Campak Jerman.
- U-Report
Ministry of Health Spokesperson dr. Mohammad Syahril stated the Ministry has made various prevention efforts, including measles, through immunization.
In 2023 the government initiated a chase vaccination program with multiple injections. This means that once coming to a health facility, babies or toddlers can get two basic vaccines at once.
In 2022, the Ministry of Health pursued immunization coverage through the National Child Immunization Month (BIAN).
The implementation of BIAN is divided into two stages, the first stage is given to all provinces outside Java and Bali starting in May 2022. It will also be implemented in 2023 by providing double injections in catch-up vaccinations for children who come to health facilities.
"BIAN consists of two immunization service activities; first, additional immunization service in the form of providing one dose of measles and rubella immunization regardless of previous immunization status. Second, catch-up immunization services, in the form of providing one or more types of immunization to complete basic and advanced immunization status for children who have not received age-appropriate vaccine doses," dr. Syahril informed through a press statement, quoted on Tuesday.
As information, immunizations given in the form of measles rubella immunization are given at the age of 9 months, followed by a booster dose at the age of 18 months, and when the child is in elementary school (age 6-7 years).
Meanwhile, catch-up immunization is given to children aged 12 to 59 months who are not fully immunized with OPV, IPV, and DPT-HB-Hib.
