VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Spokesperson for the Health Ministry's COVID-19 Vaccination Siti Nadia Tarmizi stressed the third vaccine dose or booster shot will only be available to health workers, in line with the recommendations of the Indonesian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ITAGI).

"The public will not get the third vaccine dose," she affirmed, during an online press conference held on Monday.

Tarmizi said the Moderna vaccine, which has become the booster shot for health workers, can now also be given to the unvaccinated public but with certain requirements.

"Vaccines are only given to the public for the first and second doses. Only health workers directly working in health facilities can receive a third dose," she again stressed.

Vaccines are utilized to meet the needs of two doses while considering several conditions, she added.

Firstly, the vaccine contains a frozen suspension with one vial containing a maximum of 15 doses (IP=14), and secondly, it is given at two doses (@ 0.5 ml) to those aged 18 and over through intramuscular injection at an interval of four weeks from the first to the second doses, Tarmizi explained.

The delivered vaccines should be directly divided into the first and second doses, with the first dose being stored in a refrigerator at a predetermined temperature, she further said.

"Matters related to the management of cold chain and vaccination services should be implemented in accordance with technical instructions, provisions and regulations," she pointed out.

In addition to the third dose for health workers and various types of vaccines for the public, Tarmizi said the ministry issued a circular to speed up the vaccination drive and reach as many people as possible.

This process will start with the vaccination of children aged 12 to 17 with the Sinovac vaccine, followed by the vaccination of pregnant women, to the screening form adjustment, she noted.

The acceleration of the vaccination campaign is also supported by many parties, including the private sector. "We cooperate with the private sector to manage vaccination centers and provide shuttle services via online taxis," she said. (antaranews)