At least 80 percent of the 1.9 million people targeted by the COVID-19 vaccination program in Medan, North Sumatra, have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, an official has informed.
"The (coverage of the) first dose of vaccination has reached 80 percent and the second dose is around 67 percent," the acting head of the Medan City Health Office, Mardohar Tambunan, said upon being contacted from Medan on Tuesday.
He cited the government's efforts to expedite vaccinations as a factor behind first dose vaccinations exceeding 70 percent in Medan.
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To hike vaccination coverage, the city government has been pushing mass vaccination events and offering a pick-up and drop-off service to the elderly, he noted.
He said that the Medan City Health Service is still waiting for directions from the North Sumatra provincial government for vaccinating children aged 6 to 11.
"We are ready to carry out vaccinations for children aged 6–11 years; just waiting for instructions," he remarked.
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He also reminded residents who have been vaccinated to continue to adhere to the 5M health protocols: wearing masks, washing hands with soap and running water, maintaining proper distance, avoiding crowds and preventing crowding, and limiting travel and interaction.
"This is to break the chain of transmission of COVID-19," he said.
On December 14, 2021, the government kicked off vaccinations for children in the 6–11 age bracket. It is seeking to vaccinate more people to meet the national vaccination target of 70 percent by the end of the year.
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Editor : Mahdani
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