TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Covid-19 mitigation and national economic recovery committee, Erick Thohir, hoped the production of the Covid-19 vaccine could be hastened to the end of 2020. Thus, mass vaccination could be held in December this year.

“We have consulted about the immunization with the IDI (Indonesian Medical Association) and PPNI (the Indonesian Nurses Association) today. Inshallah, it will be held early next year. If possible, it will be in December, but it is predicted to be in early next year,” said Erick in a video conference on Thursday, September 3.

Erick said for the preliminary phase, the vaccination program will be prioritized for 1.5 million health workers, namely doctors, nurses, and midwives, including those in the Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police, as they are the front liners in Covid-19 mitigation.

“They will be our strength to later establish mass immunization at the beginning of next year, which we are striving to expedite so long it is possible,” said Erick.

Indonesia through Bio Farma is currently running the last phase of clinical trials of Covid-19 vaccine candidates in collaboration with China’s pharmaceutical firm Sinovac.

Erick Thohir reiterated that vaccinations for the public will be divided into two types, subsidized and non-subsidized. The government is determined to provide subsidized vaccines for people in need, such as beneficiaries of the premium payment assistance (PBI) of the Health Care and Social Security Agency or BPJS Kesehatan.

Read: Erick Thohir Talks of Covid-19 Vaccination Price

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