Health Ministry: Measles immunisation for healthcare workers to commence immediately after BPOM efficacy study clarification

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has stated that measles immunisation for medical personnel and healthcare workers (nakes) will be provided immediately after receiving clarification from the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) regarding studies on the efficacy of the measles vaccine for adults.

“So, the most important thing about this vaccination is actually the indication letter. It’s for children, but there are actually studies for adults. We first requested clarification from BPOM that this vaccination does indeed have efficacy studies for adults,” said Deputy Minister of Health (Wamenkes) Dante Saksono Harbuwono in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Wamenkes Dante mentioned that after receiving the relevant response from BPOM, his side would directly organise measles immunisation for medical personnel and nakes who have a high risk of contracting the disease.

Initially, he said, Kemenkes would select 10 priority areas, namely those with the highest cases, including South Tangerang, Tangerang, Bima, Palembang, Pandeglang, West Jakarta, Depok, Palu, Serang, and Central Jakarta.

“After conducting high vaccination coverage, we will evaluate whether there is potential to expand to other areas,” said Wamenkes Dante.

In addition to vaccination, according to him, the most important aspect is communication, information, and education on clean and healthy living habits for medical personnel and nakes.

“How to wash hands properly, how to always wear masks during examinations. We will disseminate this again to both nakes and the public,” said Wamenkes Dante.