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Government secures diphtheria vaccine supply
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A physician vaccinates Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno at City Hall on Dec. 15, in an effort to promote the diphtheria vaccine. (tribunnews.com/Rina Ayu)
T
he government has secured sufficient supplies of diphtheria vaccines for the outbreak response immunization (ORI) program and antidiphtheria serum (ADS) for diphtheria infected patients, Health Minister Nila Moeloek has said.
State pharmaceutical company Bio Farma, the country’s vaccine producer, collaborated with the WHO’s Southeast Asia Regional Office (WHO SEARO) to ensure the supply of both the vaccines and serum amid the current diphtheria outbreak, Nila said.
The Health Ministry had requested Bio Farma to produce more vaccines to cover the needs of the ORI program, Nila said, adding that she hoped the supply would also be enough to vaccinate citizens outside of the ORI program.
“Last week, WHO SEARO sent 500 vials of antidiphtheria serum through the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi. All citizens and diphtheria infected patients should no longer worry,” Nila said in a statement on Friday as quoted by Antara news agency.
Previously, Bio Farma had supplied 700 vials of ADS for diphtheria infected patients. WHO SEARO had also sent 500 vials of ADS to assist in fighting the virus outbreak.
The minister went on to say that Bio Farma should prioritize the availability of diphtheria vaccines before considering exports. (afr/ahw)
