Around 15,478 children aged two to four months in North Jakarta were targeted for Rotavirus immunization launched at the Hiu Posyandu RW 01 Semper Timur Urban Village, Cilincing, Tuesday (8/15).

Recurrent diarrhea has the potential to impact children's health and growth

North Jakarta Deputy Mayor, Juaini said the immunization is very important for children aged six months and under to prevent diarrheal diseases.

According to him, diarrhea is a disease that is still a health problem in the world and in Indonesia. Even, it could be the second biggest cause of death for toddlers. Because of that, he hoped that the Rotavirus immunization action would become the concern of all groups in North Jakarta.

"Recurrent diarrhea has the potential to impact children's health and growth, as well as trigger stunting," he said.

He explained Rotavirus immunization was injected at a dose of 0.5 milliliters for three doses. The first dose is given to the child at two months of age, then the second at three months of age and the last at four months of age.

"The target at the start of implementing the first dose is targeting toddlers aged two months or those born starting May 16, 2023," he asserted.

North Jakarta Health Sub-agency Head, Lysbeth Regina Pandjaitan explained that from a total of 15,478 toddlers targeted for Rotavirus immunization in North Jakarta, where 2,418 of them were in Penjaringan Sub-district area.

Then, 1,388 were in Pademangan, 3,676 were in Tanjung Priok, 2,904 were in Koja, 1,418 were in Kelapa Gading, and 3,676 were in Cilincing.

He added the immunization itself is free or charge at integrated health service posts (posyandu), health centers, hospitals, and other health facilities in North Jakarta.

"Joint efforts are needed to support a complete routine immunization program for toddlers, including Rotavirus," he stated.