TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo will reportedly be the first recipient of the Covid-19 vaccine on January 13, 2021. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin explained that the side effects may include soreness up to fever.

“There is a possibility of slight impacts, such as soreness and mild fever,” said Budi as quoted from the official statement of the Home Affairs Ministry on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021.

Due to the side effects, health workers who are prioritized as the first recipients will not be injected at one time. “For example, if one Puskesmas (community health center) has four nurses, all of them will not get the shot on the same day,” he said.

The inaugural vaccination on Jan. 13 will be followed by simultaneous immunization in 34 provinces on Jan. 14-15. To enhance the trust and participation of the health workers and the public, the free vaccination program will be held in stages with three first groups.

They are state officials in the central and regional governments, administrators of health professionals associations, and health key leaders in regions, as well as local religious figures.

“Bapak President’s order is clear. [The Covid-19 vaccination] will be held simultaneously, starting at the central to regional levels, and involve community figures and if exist, influential health figures or doctors,” Budi Gunadi remarked.

Read: Indonesia to Kick Off COVID-19 Vaccination Program Next Week

DEWI NURITA