The Jakarta Health Agency (Dinkes)  has noted that as many as 443,000 children aged 9 to 59 months in Jakarta have received the measles rubella vaccine during the National Child Immunization Month (BIAN) from August 1 to 23, 2022.

There is an increase from 7,000 to 30,000 children being vaccinated every day

The number of children being vaccinated has touched 62 percent of the target number of 715,786 people.

Epidemiological and Immunization Surveillance Division Head Ngabila Salama said around 30,000 children were vaccinated against Measles Rubella every day in Jakarta.

"There is an increase from 7,000 to 30,000 children being vaccinated every day," she expressed, Wednesday (8/24).

To implement the BIAN, Jakarta has targeted infants and toddlers aged 9 to 59 months with immunization in the form of additional measles-rubella immunization regardless of immunization status.

Then follow-up immunizations for those who have not completed Oral Polio immunization four times, Injectable Polio once, and DPT-Hb-Hib (Pentabio) three times.

“Provide additional Measles Rubella immunization for all children 9 to 59 months regardless of vaccination status to see together the Rubella Measles elimination in 2023," she explained.

BIAN is an effort to prevent the occurrence of Extraordinary Diseases Preventable by Immunization (KLB PD3I) due to a decrease in routine immunization coverage for children during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Providing catch-up immunizations to pursue with incomplete vaccinations during this pandemic. Better late than never," she explained.

According to him, BIAN's services were located in all puskesmas, hospitals, posyandu, vaccination posts, and other health care facilities. People can come directly to the location without registering.

During August 2022, child immunization services are open 24 hours a day in 44 sub-district health centers in Jakarta.

Aside that, registration for child immunization can also be done via JAKI app but for certain locations, such as Jakarta City Hall, Lapangan Banteng Park, Jakarta Islamic Center Koja, Daan Mogot Kalideres Mall, Ciputra Grogol Petamburan Mall, Asoka Jatipadang Pasar Minggu RPTRA, Kelinci Bambu Apus Cipayung Park, and East Jakarta Mayor Office.

"This is free of charge. We are open 7x24 hours at all Jakarta sub-district health centers or the nearest vaccine post. We are open for all children, either local or foreigner citizens," she continued.

Moreover, the vaccine is also very safe to inject up to five types at the same time in children, without any side effects and special preparations. If someone has a mild cold, they can still be vaccinated as the vaccine is very safe. But it is strictly prohibited if the fever is above 38 degrees Celsius.

"Currently, all children who are immunized have automatically received an immunization certificate in the PeduliLindungi app for their parents, such as additional immunization against measles, rubella or OPV, IPV, and pentabio. Please download in the child immunization certificate menu," she continued.

As for the information, BIAN is an activity to provide additional immunization for Measles Rubella and immunization for children who have not received complete immunization.

"It can prevent pain and disability due to Measles, Rubella, Polio, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Hepatitis B, Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs), and Meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain)," she stated.