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Simultaneous diphtheria immunization following outbreak in Jakarta
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A diphtheria vaccine is given to an infant at a health clinic in Cibinong, Bogor, in West Java, Dec. 5. (Antara/Yulius Satria Wijaya)
A diphtheria outbreak in Jakarta has been getting worse, making it a health emergency, an official said.
There have been 25 diphtheria cases in 2017, claiming two lives, Jakarta Health Agency head Koesmedi Priharto said on Friday.
The number was higher compared to 2016, in which there were 17 cases and one death.
Generally, a disease outbreak is classified as a health emergency when the infection and mortality rate increases by two fold.
In response to the report, he said, the administration will hold a program called Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) in five municipalities and one regency in the capital.
"If a person in an area is suffering from diphtheria, all people in the area must take part in the ORI," Koesmedi explained, adding that the ORI, which is set to be held simultaneously on Dec. 11, is a measure that is usually conducted in an area where a diphtheria patient is found.
He further said the ORI required three injections administered at certain intervals.
The first and second injections are given in the first and second month, while the last one is given six months later.
"The immunization is actually given to children at the age of two months, four months, six months, two years and six years. Then, it is continued with an immune booster," he explained.
He then called on all Jakartans to willingly get the vaccine, which will be given for free. (agn)
