IDI Bans Doctors' Involvement in Anti-Vaccine Propaganda
Translator
Ricky Mohammad Nugraha
Editor
Markus Wisnu Murti
Senin, 11 Januari 2021 16:35 WIB
An employee shows a vial of COVID-19 vaccine of Sinovac and Bio Farma at the latter's production, packaging and distribution center in Bandung, West Java, January 7, 2021. TEMPO/Prima Mulia
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) medical ethics council (MKEK) on Monday, January 11, has officially banned doctors from being involved in anti-vaccine campaigns that came several days ahead of the government’s plan to commence its nationwide vaccination.
“Indonesian doctors and doctors’ organizations are prohibited from being involved in anti-vaccine propaganda and campaigns, which include social media content uploads,” the fatwa reads, which emphasizes its danger to the national vaccination programs and public health.
IDI said this was necessary as there were massive and widespread anti-vaccine campaigns that would be counterproductive towards the government’s attempt to prevent a broader spread of the coronavirus. IDI also maintained that it did not align with scientific principles in the medical profession.
The IDI statement asserted the crucial role that doctors and healthcare workers played in affecting public trust towards the vaccination program. IDI also said differences of opinions and discussions regarding the vaccine and national vaccination should be conducted within the realms of medical expertise forums.
