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Old beliefs, culture hamper immunization program
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Health workers give a toddler a polio vaccine in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, in this file photo. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)
H
ealth workers in several regions have to cope with a major hurdle in their effective implementation of immunization programs in the shape of old traditions, views and beliefs that have resulted in a lack of faith among parents that vaccination is important for their children’s health.
When it comes to remote regions, such traditional barriers have posed even greater challenges than geographical difficulties and a lack of human and other resources.
Even in a medium-sized city like Pontianak, West Kalimantan, such modes of thinking are still prevalent. Many parents in the provincial capital have rejected immunization for their children on the grounds of old beliefs.
Seng Hiong, 48, for example, said that it had been traditionally believed for generations in his family that immunization being able to tackle diseases was merely a myth.
“Besides, look at our ancestors’ experience, they could live for up to 100 years of age although they never got immunized,” Seng Hiong told The Jakarta Post on Monday.
Read also: Government moves to curb pneumonia in infants
He also mentioned recent news of the distribution of fake vaccines, which had reinforced his assumption that immunization was simply a way for some people to make money.
