Sinovac vaccine arrives in HST, Muspida to get the first jab

Barabai, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Two big boxes of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine finally arrived at the warehouse of the Central Hulu Sungai (HST) Health Office's Technical Implementation Unit of Pharmaceutical Installation with tight security from armed police officers, Thursday (Jan 28, 2021) at about 12.00 WITA (Central Indonesia Time).

"The total Sinovac vaccine coming are two boxes containing about 3,000 doses," said Head of HST Health Office H Kusudiarto.

While the vaccination, he said, will be held simultaneously on February 10, 2021 at 9.00 WITA at HDamanhuri Barabai General Hospital.

"Actually after the vaccine arrived, it could be used immediately, but due to post-flood condition the vaccination is delayed to February 10," he said.

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He explained that the first to receive the jab are Muspida (consultative leadership board), namely regent, deputy regent, district military commander, police chief, chief of prosecutors office, chief of court, head of religious affairs office, and public leaders.

In addition, vaccination will be carried out at community health centers (puskesmas) acroos HST. "The first stage will also be given to health workers totalling around 1,750," said Kusudiarto.

"The COVID-19 vaccine shots will be given twice, including for people who had a close contact with the COVID-19 contracted patient," he said.

HST Regent through Assistant for Government and People's Welfare Ainur Rafiq said that the vaccination is our joint effort to free residents from the COVID-19 transmission.

"We hope with the assistance of vaccine from the central government, HST will be free from COVID-19 and our activities return to normal," he said.

He also hopes that the public will no longer have doubts regarding the Sinovac vaccine, as it has went through long process and medically checked and MUI has declared it halal.