PAPDI: Measles Vaccination is a Cheaper Health Investment than an Outbreak

The Indonesian Association of Internal Medicine Specialists (PAPDI) emphasises that increasing vaccination coverage and public education are the primary keys to suppressing the spread of measles in Indonesia. Vaccination is viewed not just as a medical action, but as a long-term health investment that is far more efficient than the costs incurred during an outbreak.

Chair of the Adult Immunisation Task Force (Satgas) PAPDI, Dr Sukamto Koesnoe, Sp.PD, K-A.I, FINASIM, explains that comprehensive prevention efforts are necessary. This requires active collaboration between healthcare workers, the government, and all levels of society.

“If calculated, the vaccine is an investment. Its cost is far smaller compared to the impacts caused if an outbreak occurs,” said Sukamto, quoted on Friday (3/4).

According to Sukamto, the costs borne by the public for measles vaccination are relatively affordable compared to the financial and social risks from infection. Besides high hospital treatment costs, infectious disease outbreaks also have the potential to lower public productivity and increase the burden on the national health system.

Low immunisation coverage becomes a gap for the virus to spread more widely, especially among groups without immunity. Therefore, PAPDI encourages healthcare workers to take a strategic role as education agents.

Active, clear, and persuasive communication from doctors is believed to increase vaccination acceptance, particularly among those still hesitant. Currently, PAPDI records significant strength in these education efforts through its thousands of members across the country.

With proper understanding, it is hoped that the public will no longer hesitate to get vaccinated to protect themselves and prevent future health crises.