HST to vaccinate 2,235 children, must be approved by parents

Barabai, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Central Hulu Sungai (HST) government is now collecting data through the Education Agency before carrying out vaccination of children aged 6-11 years.

"Out of 258 schools, the target of child vaccination is 2,235. However, every child who will be vaccinated must obtain a letter of approval from their parents," said acting Head of HST Education Agency Muhammad Anhar in Barabai, Wednesday (January 12, 2022).

"We have asked all education units to collect data and disseminate information on child vaccination to parents, the deadline is January 17, 2022," he said.

"From the data it can be seen parents who agree and not, we can map out which schools are ready and which are not," said Anhar.

He expounded that if there are parents who still have doubts about the vaccine, then another approach and socialization will be carried out by involving health staff that the vaccine is really safe.

"There is no coercion, but vaccination is for the goodness of the child himself," he said.

During the vaccination, parents must accompany their children, because they know more about their childs' health history.

"We also encourage schools to design vaccination as creative as possible and fun for children and eliminate the impression of fear. Maybe by providing gifts, art activities, or bring clowns," he said.

He added that HST has not been able to carry out 100 percent face-to-face learning (PTM) because there are still some criterias from the joint decree of (SKB) 4 ministers have not been met. Now they still conducting limited PTM.

Acting Head of HST Health Agency Mursalin explained that at this time the stock of Sinovac vaccine (for child vaccination) is empty and still in the procurement process.

"Insya Allah (God Willing) next week, Monday or Tuesday it will be ready. If there are no changes, 18,400 doses are allocated," he said.