Indonesia rolls out measles shots for health workers

“The MR immunization will be administered to 39,212 medical personnel and 223,150 health workers in 14 provinces with the highest number of measles cases, along with 28,321 general practitioners and intensive care physicians across Indonesia,” Acting Director General of Disease Control Andi Saguni said at a press conference on Friday.

So far, 565 medical and health workers have received the measles vaccine, he said, marking the initial phase of the rollout.

Saguni added that personnel who have already received two doses of measles vaccine do not need additional shots.

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“However, those who have received only one dose will get a booster. Those with no immunization history will receive two doses with a minimum interval of 28 days,” he said.

Each dose is 0.5 milliliters and is administered subcutaneously, or injected into the fatty tissue beneath the skin.

At the same event, Bandung City Hospital Director Nitta Kurniati welcomed the program, calling it a timely step to protect both health workers and the broader community from measles infections.

“In Bandung, around 20 vials will be used per session to vaccinate 160 recipients at Bandung City Hospital,” she said.

Meanwhile, Adam Malik Hospital President Director Zainal Safri said his institution fully supports the nationwide immunization drive.

“We hope measles cases, including among health workers, will not recur, as prior vaccination does not always guarantee full protection,” he said.

He added that the hospital has received 16 vials of MR vaccine, enough to inoculate 160 health workers and other targeted recipients on Friday.

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Translator: Mecca Yumna, Resinta Sulistiyandari