Health Minister Tells Regional Governments to Prioritize Vaccination for Senior Citizens
Minister of Health Budi G. Sadikin
Minister of Health has urged regional governments to continue to carry out vaccination and prioritize vaccination for senior citizens during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.
“I urge all heads of regional governments (governors, regents, and mayors) to continue to carry out vaccination. The Indonesian Ulema Council has stated that vaccination does not nullify fasting, so it must continue,” the Minister told the press during the arrival of the 8th batch of COVID-19 vaccines at Soekarno-Hatta airport in Tangerang city, Banten province, Sunday (18/04).
The Minister also reminded regional governments to continue prioritizing COVID-19 vaccination for senior citizens aged 60 and above who has a high risk of COVID-19 exposure.
“It is important to keep in mind that in Ramadan, there is a very high possibility that many families want to meet their parents, so please ensure that this month, vaccination priority is given to senior citizens. Therefore, they, our seniors, can be protected. If they are visited by their family, their immunity will be relatively better,” he remarked.
On that occasion, the Minister also reminded everyone to remain vigilant of COVID-19 transmission risks as the pandemic is not over yet, especially since there is a spike in cases in countries in Europe, Asia, including India and Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and South America, such as Chile and Brazil.
Negligence, the Minister added, is likely to trigger a surge in cases and able to turn COVID-19 handling efforts in vain.
“The ongoing vaccination program and micro-scale public activity restrictions, which have been proven to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases, must not make us less vigilant, must not stop us from being careful because there can be another spike (in cases). It would be a shame if our hard work all this time went in vain because of the spike, because we forgot, because we were not vigilant,” he said.
The Minister also reminded everyone to remain disciplined in observing health protocols despite having been vaccinated.
“Once again, continue observing health protocols. Wear a mask, wash hands, and maintain a safe distance. And get vaccinated, especially senior citizens until Eid comes,” he remarked. (TGH/UN) (DH/EP)
