TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Taking into account the increasing number of Covid-19 cases both globally and domestically, the Indonesian government decided to allow giving second boosters to elderly people age 60 and above. The provisions are effective following its stipulation by the Director General of Disease Prevention and Control, Maxi Rein Rondonuwu, on 22 November.

The Health Ministry's Covid-19 spokesman M. Syahril said the policy was carried out to provide extra protection for vulnerable groups, to reduce the severity, even deaths, caused by Covid-19.

"The second booster of Covid-19 vaccination for the elderly can be given at least six months after the first booster is given. For the elderly who have not had the first booster, get the first booster immediately. We urge the elderly to ensure that they get a complete (two doses) primary vaccinations first," Syahril said.

Vaccines that can be used for the second booster dose are those that have received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the POM and ITAGI recommendations, taking into consideration the types and volume of vaccines available in respective provinces.

Vaccine Regimen Combination for Boosters

Listed below are the regiments of vaccines that can be used for a second booster vaccination for the elderly:

1. For people who received Sinovac as their first booster

• AstraZeneca at half dose or 0.25 ml
• Pfizer at half dose or 0.15 ml
• Moderna at full dose or 0.5 ml
• Sinopharm at full dose or 0.5 ml
• Sinovac at full dose or 0.5 ml
• Indovac at full dose or 0.5 ml

2. For people who received AstraZeneca as first booster

• Moderna at half dose or 0.25 ml
• Pfizer at half dose or 0.15 ml
• AstraZeneca at full dose or 0.5 ml

3. For people who received Pfizer as their first booster

• Pfizer at full dose or 0.3 ml
• Moderna at half dose or 0.25 ml
• AstraZeneca at full dose or 0.5 ml

4. For people who received Moderna as their first booster

• Moderna at half dose or 0.25 ml
• Pfizer at half dose or 0.15 ml

5. For people who received Janssen (J&J) as first booster

• Janssen (J&J) at full dose or 0.5 ml
• Pfizer at) full dose or 0.5 ml
• Moderna at half dose or 0.25 ml

6. For people who received Sinopharm as booster first

• Sinopharm at full dose or 0.5 ml
• Zivifax at full dose or 0.5 ml

7. For people who received the first Covovax booster

• Covovax at full dose or 0.5 ml

"Given the high risk factor, we urge people who have not been vaccinated or those who are not fully vaccinated to get injected as soon as possible. Don't delay and don't be picky about the vaccines, because the best vaccination is vaccination that is done right now," Syahril said.

MARIA FRANCISCA LAHUR

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