Indonesian Government Presents Education on COVID-19 Vaccines

JAKARTA,Indonesia,Nov. 20,2020 -- The government,throughtheCOVID-19 Handling and Economic Recovery (KPCPEN) continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia by accelerating the preparation of the Sinovac vaccine,which is currently entering stage III clinical trials and has administeredto all volunteers.

Prof. Dr. dr. Cissy Kartasasmita,Sp.A (K),M.Sc

The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency(BPOM) overseesthe development of Sinovac vaccine research and ensures the safety and efficacy of vaccines before conducting the mass vaccination program.

Prof. Dr. dr. Cissy Kartasasmita,M.Scof the Padjajaran University's Faculty of Medicinesaid thatSinovac had shown satisfactoryresults in phase one and two clinical trials. Unfortunately,many people have fallen for COVID-19 vaccine's myths and hoaxes that are going viral,which potentially hinder the development of the COVID-19 vaccine in Indonesia.

"Vaccines have been known to prevent infectious disease,but some people are still questioning its safety and efficacy,including the COVID-19 candidate vaccines,which has yet to pass the clinical trials,"said Prof. Cissy.

Facts and Myths aboutthe COVID-19 Vaccine

Here are the common myths related to the COVID-19 vaccine:

Most people are skepticism with the vaccine's safety and efficacy,that are currently in the trial phase.

Thepossibility of adverseside effects and death when inoculated into volunteers.

The public is concerned over securitymatter as vacciness developmentis considered fast. However,Prof. Cissy stated thatthe advanced technology,human resources,and anadequate budgetcould accelerate the discovery ofthe COVID-19 vaccine.

The safety reports for phases one and two of the COVID-19 vaccines's clinical trialshave been published in international publications and presentedpositiveresults. No side effects were found in volunteers. The trial'ssuccess rate has alsoattractedover2,000 volunteers to participate in phase three clinical trial in Bandung.

"Out of the 2,000 volunteers,there are1,620 volunteers that are eligible to participate. Having been vaccinated,they are now waiting for the official test report," said Prof. Cissy.

Responding to the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine,Prof. Cissy emphasized that information about volunteers who were seriously ill or died due to the vaccine trials was not true. The investigation result reveals that thesicknesswas not directly related to vaccination. The clinical trial results also do not show anyunusual responsefrom the volunteers.

"If we vaccinate enoughpeople,theherd immunity will occur. With this mechanism,even people that cannot be vaccinated,such as infants or those with immune disorders,can be protected," said Prof. Cissy.

Overcoming the Myths and Misconceptions

As a solution,the government needs to collaboratewith the experts and doctors,while clarifying any misconceptionto fightmyths and hoaxes about the COVID-19 vaccine.

The media also has an important role in disseminating the correctinformation aboutvaccines to the public. By doing so,itwill convince the public whilefendingoffmisinformation.

The public is also encouraged to be more critical when sharinganyinformation about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine. "Before sharingany information,the public must verify the accuracy of the information and leave out any fake news," concluded Prof. Cissy.

Vaccines are indeed a precautionary measure against certain infections. While waiting for the procurement of the vaccine,the public must follow strict health protocols and comply with the 3M behavior (wearing masks,washing hands,and maintaining a safe distance).

Contact:

Lalu Hamdani 081284519595 / 081212865928

Email : media-kpcpen@covid19.go.id