TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Health Ministry extended deep condolences over the death of two health workers after the Covid-19 vaccination. They reportedly died of the disease. The government hoped that similar incidents would not recur.

The National Commission on Post-Immunization Accidents (Komnas KIPI) chairman, Hindra Irawan Satari, said people who have been vaccinated still have the possibility of being exposed to the virus since the immune system is not created immediately after the first injection.

“The immune system will be fully developed within 28 days after the second injection. So two weeks after vaccination, people are still vulnerable [to virus exposure],” said Hindra as quoted from the ministry’s website on Tuesday, February 23.

He explained that the first jab is aimed at triggering an initial immune response, while the second one is to strengthen the immune response that has been formed.

“Thus, after being immunized, people still need to keep distance, wear a face mask, wash hands with soap, and stay away from the crowd,” he underlined.

He ensured that the vaccine is safe as the testing process was in accordance with the WHO standards. Based on the clinical trials conducted by the vaccine research team at the University of Padjadjaran, the side effects of vaccination are mild and easy to overcome, such as local reactions in the form of soreness, redness, or itching.

Hindra went on to say that the proportion of serious side effects of Covid-19 vaccination in Indonesia is 42 per 1,000,000, while for non-serious side effect is 5 per 10,000.

Also Read: Indonesia Targets to Begin Covid-19 Vaccination for its People in April

DEWI NURITA