{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1651137,
        "msgid": "ministry-of-health-risk-gap-for-babies-contracting-measles-before-vaccination-1775106597",
        "date": "2026-04-02 11:19:00",
        "title": "Ministry of Health: Risk Gap for Babies Contracting Measles Before Vaccination",
        "author": "Andhika",
        "source": "MEDIA_INDONESIA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "The Indonesian Ministry of Health has highlighted the vulnerability of infants under nine months to measles infection, as they must rely on maternal antibodies until eligible for vaccination, amid ongoing cases linked to uneven immunization coverage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The highly contagious disease poses significant risks, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates, prompting calls for timely immunizations, preventive measures, and strengthened government programs to curb outbreaks. This underscores the critical role of public health initiatives in protecting young children and preventing potential epidemics in Indonesia.",
        "content": "<p>Measles has once again become a concern after the Ministry of Health\nof the Republic of Indonesia warned that babies under nine months of age\nare at very high risk of infection. This is because the measles vaccine\ncan only be administered at that age. This condition makes infants the\nmost vulnerable group to the transmission of this highly contagious\ndisease.<\/p>\n<p>The Ministry of Health explained that the measles immunization\nschedule starting at nine months is based on scientific considerations\nregarding the maturity of the infant\u2019s immune system. At that age, the\nbaby\u2019s body is deemed capable of providing an optimal response to the\nvaccine.<\/p>\n<p>Before that age, the infant\u2019s protection still depends on antibodies\nobtained from the mother during pregnancy. However, over time, these\nantibodies will decrease, thereby increasing the risk of infection.<\/p>\n<p>According to the World Health Organization, measles is one of the\nmost contagious diseases in the world. The virus can spread through\ndroplets when the sufferer coughs or sneezes, and it can even survive in\nthe air or on surfaces for a certain period. This makes unvaccinated\nbabies at high risk of exposure, especially in environments with low\nimmunization coverage.<\/p>\n<p>Ministry of Health data shows that measles cases are still found in\nvarious regions in Indonesia, particularly among children. This\ncondition is related to the uneven coverage of complete basic\nimmunization. In addition, disruptions to health services during the\nCOVID-19 pandemic also contributed to the decline in routine\nimmunization rates in several areas.<\/p>\n<p>UNICEF has also noted that the global decline in immunization\nincreases the risk of measles outbreaks in various countries, including\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n<p>For optimal protection, the measles vaccine is given in two\ndoses:<\/p>\n<p>The administration of the follow-up dose is important to enhance the\neffectiveness of protection against the measles virus.<\/p>\n<p>The Ministry of Health urges parents not to delay their children\u2019s\nimmunization and to ensure that the vaccination schedule is met on time.\nIn addition to immunization, other preventive measures are also\nnecessary, such as maintaining hygiene, ensuring adequate nutritional\nintake, and limiting the baby\u2019s contact with sick people.<\/p>\n<p>The government is also continuing to strengthen catch-up immunization\nprograms and surveillance to suppress the spread of this disease.\nCollaboration between health workers and the community is seen as key to\nprotecting infants who are not yet old enough to receive the\nvaccine.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ministry-of-health-risk-gap-for-babies-contracting-measles-before-vaccination-1775106597",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}