Update, Booster Vaccine Can Be Given 3 Months Faster to the Elderly

The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Health finally decided to cut the timing of giving the third stage of vaccination or booster vaccines of Covid-19 for the elderly group.

Now, this third stage of vaccination can be injected into the elderly (> 60 years old) within three months after stage one and two vaccinations or have been fully vaccinated. So far, the booster vaccine is given 6 months after the second dose is injected.

Regarding the type of vaccine given as a booster, it refers to the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). The type of booster vaccine given can be the same as the previous primary Covid-19 vaccine, or it can be different. The booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccination can be done homologously or heterologously.

However, Director General of Disease Prevention Control (P2P) Maxi Rein Rondonowu said the Sinovac vaccine remains focused on children aged 6-11 years.

“Considering that currently the number of Sinovac vaccines being distributed is limited and targeted at children aged 6-11 years, for this booster, you can use vaccines other than Sinovac,” he explained in a circular letter to adjust the booster COVID-19 vaccination, Tuesday (22/2/2022). ).

Here are the points for the COVID-19 booster vaccination adjustments, which take effect today:

1. Booster doses for the elderly (age > 60 years) can be given at intervals of at least three months after receiving complete primary vaccination.
2. The booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination can be done homologously or heterologously. The vaccine given is a COVID-19 vaccine regimen that is available in the field and which has received EUA from BPOM and is following the recommendations from ITAGI.
3. Considering that currently the number of Sinovac vaccines being distributed is limited and targeted at children aged 6-11 years, for this booster, vaccines other than Sinovac can be used.
4. Primary dose vaccination should still be pursued in order to achieve the target.
5. The procedure of giving, the place of implementation, the flow of implementation, and recording of the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination still refers to Circular Letter Number HK.02.02/II/252/2002.