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Sandiaga receives diphtheria vaccination to set good example
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A physician vaccinates Jakarta Deputy Governor (left) Sandiaga Uno at City Hall on Dec. 15, during his aim to promote diphtheria vaccination. (tribunnews.com/Rina Ayu)
J
akarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno received a diphtheria vaccination on Friday, saying he wanted to set a good example for city residents, some of whom refused vaccinations for their kids due to religious concerns, even though the outbreak of the disease has killed 32 people nationwide.
Witnessed by dozens of journalists who recorded the procedure, Sandiaga was seen smiling when the needle pierced his skin.
“I want to be an example [for Jakarta citizens]. The outbreak can be very dangerous if [the patient] does not receive treatment in two to three days, as it can lead to death,” Sandiaga said, adding that he would make all of his subordinates receive similar vaccination.
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has previously said the city needed Rp 70 billion (US$4.9 million) to purchase the diphtheria vaccine.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that clogs the patient’s airways. The Corynebacterium diphtheria bacterium also releases toxins that can disrupt heart function. The outbreak can spread from person to person through the air when the host coughs or sneezes.
A large number of “antivaxxers” has hampered the government’s aim to vaccinate 100 percent of children nationwide.
Jakarta Health Agency head Koesmedi Priharto previously called the current diphtheria outbreak in the capital an “extraordinary occurrence,” as the number of reported cases had more than doubled, from 17 infections and one fatality in 2016 to 25 infections and two casualties this year.
