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Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin - ANT

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin spoke of his plan to administer 1.5 million COVID-19 vaccine shots every day in the second half of 2021 since July to achieve the target of the nation's vaccination program.

"As many as 75 percent of the vaccines will become available since July. (The vaccination target is) 181.5 million people, and (it means) 363 million doses (of vaccines). (If it is) divided by 365 days, it is one million a day, if the vaccines are available. The vaccines will be available in the second semester, which is a lot. Second semester. My calculation that (we have to administer) 1.5 million vaccine jabs per day," Sadikin informed the press here on Saturday.

The minister urged Indonesians to exercise patience whilst awaiting their turn for vaccinations. Owing to the current limitations of vaccines, only 24 percent of the population will be given the vaccine shots, he noted.

On the other hand, Sadikin pointed out that vaccine administration was targeted for priority groups: health workers and elderly or senior citizens vulnerable to contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.Nonetheless, the minister advised the inoculated people to continue to follow the health protocols of wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining a distance as they could still contract the COVID-19 infection and spread it to other people.

Sadikin drew attention to optimal immunity being attained at 28 days after the second injection, though cautioning against not misinterpreting that he or she has become a "superhuman," who is immune to the disease.

On the same occasion, Minister of Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia/National Development Planning Agency Head (BAPPENAS) Bambang Brodjonegoro stressed on the need for innovation in public services and solidity to handle the COVID-19 pandemic that has emerged as a common foe in the past year.

These innovations encompass cooperation between the private and public sectors in offering vaccination services and the optimal use of digital technology-based systems.Brodjonegoro lauded the involvement of youngsters, who prioritize innovation backed by optimal digital technology to provide better public services, especially in vaccination.

"This is a good example. We are upbeat about the vaccination program running quickly, so that the economic recovery program can also take place more quickly. It is expected to provide relief for all of us. At least, with continued strict implementation of health protocols, we can start conducting economic activities as we did before the pandemic," he stated.

He expressed optimism that increasingly more number of parties, including the private sector, would become involved in the vaccination program in the country//ANT