Booster for Senior Citizens to be Administered Three Months After Primary Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccination for elderly health care workers. (Photo by: PR of Ministry of Health)

Booster vaccination for senior citizens can be administered at least three months after the first and second primary vaccine jabs.

This provision is stated in Circular of Director General of Disease Prevention and Control Number SR.02.06/II/1123/2022 on COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Adjustment for Senior Citizens.

The circular was signed by Ministry of Health’s Director General of Disease Prevention and Control Maxi Rein Rondonuwu on Monday (02/21).

“Booster doses for senior citizens (above 60 years old) can be given with a minimum interval of three months after receiving full primary vaccination,” the circular says.

Vaccine combination for senior citizens’ booster vaccination can be homologous and heterologous depending on vaccine availability in each region.

Substantially, all types of vaccines that have received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) and recommendation from the Indonesian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ITAGI) can be used to speed up booster vaccination for senior citizens.

“Taking into account that the number of distributed Sinovac vaccine is limited and allocated for individuals age 6-11, vaccines other than Sinovac can be utilized for booster,” Maxi said, while underscoring that primary vaccination must continue to be accelerated to achieve target.

“COVID-19 booster vaccine administration procedure, vaccination venue, vaccination flow, and vaccination record still refer to Circular Number HK.02.02/II/252/2022,” he remarked. (PR of Ministry of Health/UN) (DH/EP)