COVID-19 Vaccines Used in Indonesia Have Been Tested: Health Ministry

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Health Ministry ensures the people that the COVID-19 vaccines used in Indonesia have been tested from various aspects so that they are safe to use. 

"The vaccines provided or prepared by the Health Ministry have been tested from various aspects of safety, efficacy and quality," said Secretary General of the Health Ministry Oscar Primadi in a virtual press conference held  after the arrival of another 10 million doses of Sinovac bulk vaccine at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten province, on Sunday.

The Food and Drug Control Agency issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) to the vaccines that  have met the aspects.  After that, the vaccines could be used for the COVID-19 vaccination program in order to give benefit to recipients ,     

On Sunday Indonesia  received 10 million doses of Sinovac bulk vaccines to produce vaccines to meet the target of vaccinating 181.5 million Indonesians, so that the public will gain herd immunity against COVID-19.

As of June 20, 2021, Indonesia has received 104,728,400 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, comprising 94,500,000 doses of Sinovac vaccine, 8,228,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine and 2 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine.

Primadi said the procurement of the vaccine was carried out through various efforts, including bilateral cooperation and the development of a domestic vaccine called Merah Putih (Red and White) vaccine.

He said the arrival of the 10 million doses of Sinovac bulk vaccine would encourage the smooth implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program.

He ensured that government will make constant efforts to accelerate and strengthen the vaccination program.

"But, once again we urge the  community to adhere to health protocols, avoid crowds, maintain social distance, and  wear masks," said the secretary general.

Read: Kominfo Reinstates Work from Home Rules amid COVID-19 Surge

ANTARA