West Java Health Department Launches Immunisation Drives in Several Regions to Anticipate Measles Outbreak
The West Java Health Department is encouraging health workers in areas with increasing measles cases to carry out Outbreak Response Immunisation (ORI). ORI is a measles immunisation programme for all target children aged 9 to 59 months, regardless of prior immunisation status, as an effort to combat measles.
The Head of the West Java Health Department, Vini Adiani Dewi, stated that as of 19 March 2026, two regions will implement ORI in April 2026, namely Tasikmalaya Regency and Garut Regency. The implementation of ORI takes into account the rise in measles cases in those areas.
Previously, in February 2026, ORI was also conducted in Garut Regency, specifically at the Cimaragas, Bagendit, and Cibiuk Community Health Centres. In addition to ORI, to address measles, the Health Department is carrying out Catch-up Campaign (CUC) or measles-rubella immunisation for target children aged 9 to 59 months who have not yet received complete measles-rubella immunisation.
Vini said that the availability of measles-rubella (MR) vaccines is sufficient for the implementation of ORI and CUC.
“If there is a vaccine shortage, community health centres can request supplies from the West Java Provincial Health Department,” said Vini in a written statement on Monday (13/4/2026).
It is known that CUC is being implemented in Bogor City, Depok City, Bandung City, Bekasi City, Cirebon City, Bogor Regency, Cirebon Regency, and Subang Regency. To date, in these eight regencies/cities, the CUC implementation is still ongoing to achieve 100 per cent coverage.
Currently, community health centres are awaiting the distribution of auto-disable syringes (ADS) from the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) for the ORI implementation. The equipment has been inspected by Kemenkes and is ready to be distributed to the province.
To community health centres, hospitals, and other health facilities, Vini urged them to report suspected measles cases within 24 hours to the respective regency/city Health Departments.
If a suspected measles case is found, certain steps must be taken for the patient, such as isolation for at least seven days after the appearance of red spots, administering vitamin A in age-appropriate doses, providing high-protein and high-calorie food intake. In addition, implementing clean and healthy living behaviours.
Furthermore, the public is required to check their immunisation status. If immunisation is not complete, it is never too late. Immediately complete immunisation at posyandu, community health centres, or other health facilities. Measles immunisation is given three times: at 9 months, 18 months, and in year 1 of primary school or equivalent.