Beware of Measles Outbreak: IDAI Highlights the Adverse Impact of Vaccine Rumours on Social Media

The Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) has voiced concerns regarding the widespread negative rumours about immunisation circulating on social media. Dr. dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Sp.A(K), Chairman of the IDAI Central Board, stated that these misleading narratives are a primary trigger for parents’ reluctance to vaccinate their children. According to Piprim, this phenomenon is inseparable from post-pandemic influences and the rapid flow of information across various digital platforms. ‘Besides the pandemic’s influence, there’s this constant stream of anxiety being propagated, especially now with social media—Instagram, Threads, Twitter, TikTok—all of them collectively unsettling the public,’ Piprim remarked. The impact of public hesitancy is becoming evident with the re-emergence of measles outbreaks across various regions in Indonesia, even resulting in child fatalities. Piprim explained that the drop in vaccination coverage hinders the formation of herd immunity. Previously, measles cases in Indonesia had subsided due to adequate immunisation coverage. However, when that coverage declines due to fears stoked by social media rumours, outbreaks flare up rapidly. ‘Measles is the most contagious; if immunisation coverage is disrupted and drops by just 20%, it causes an extraordinary event. Especially in pockets where people refuse vaccination altogether. That’s the breeding ground for the virus, which then spreads everywhere,’ he stressed. In response to this situation, Piprim urged the public to shift their perspective. He hopes parents will prioritise fears of the actual impacts of measles over the often exaggerated side effects of vaccines. Measles is not merely a common rash; it can trigger serious life-threatening complications in children. With the upcoming Eid holidays, societal mobility will surge sharply. Piprim reminds parents to be more vigilant in protecting their children from crowds and limiting physical contact with strangers, such as touching or kissing, to avoid transmission amid the extraordinary measles event status. As a preventive measure, IDAI advises that infants and toddlers receive complete vaccinations before the homecoming and Eid holiday period. Completing immunisation status is the most effective way to protect children when meeting many people in their hometowns. Vaksinolog and internist, as well as Chief Medical Advisor of Imuni, dr. Dirga Sakti Rambe, stated that vaccines are not exclusively for children. High societal mobility, particularly during Eid holidays, is one risk factor that parents should be wary of regarding measles risks to children. The ideal time for vaccination is at least 14 days or two weeks before departure to ensure optimal protection during the holiday. Doctors remind parents to complete their children’s immunisation at least two weeks before Eid homecoming.