WHO has recommended vaccine receivers with virus inactivation methods, such as Sinovac and Sinopharm, get a booster immediately. The reason is WHO says that the recipient of the vaccine is likely to experience a decrease in immunity.
Experts in Indonesia say that giving booster vaccines needs to be questioned. In their opinion, there should be a spike in cases if the effectiveness of the two vaccines is still in doubt.
Especially given the unfulfilled coverage of the first and second doses of vaccines, the debate over booster vaccines is increasingly lively. So why do booster vaccines really need to be done?
Should I get a booster vaccine?
Indonesia faces a complicated problem in implementing the Covid-19 vaccination program. Amid the unfulfilled coverage of the first and second doses of vaccination, a new Omicron variant emerged. The WHO also presented claims of reduced immunity from the vaccine, which hinted at the need for a third dose. And epidemiologists don't seem to agree on a solution to this dilemma.
Data in the field shows a decrease in efficacy after six months of vaccine, especially in the elderly and people with congenital health conditions. Therefore, a recommendation for a third or booster dose of vaccine is given because there is a possibility of reducing the efficacy of existing vaccines against new variants such as Delta and Omicron.
Moreover, this Omicron variant is effective in reinfection, including creating new cases of infection even in complete vaccine recipients. This means that Indonesia actually has no choice but to intensify the vaccination program, both the first, second, and booster doses.
Indonesian people who have not received the vaccine can still receive boosters in parallel. The Ministry of Health has designated the Moderna vaccine as a booster vaccine. The red-and-white vaccine, a vaccine made and produced in Indonesia, is also being prepared as an option.
Who should receive the booster vaccine?
Giving booster vaccines is optional, meaning that people who want it can receive this booster. Even though the data shows that the elderly and people with underlying health conditions are more at risk of experiencing decreased immunity, in fact, all groups of people can get a booster.
The following conditions must be met to get a booster vaccine:
- People aged 18 and over
- Have received the second dose of vaccine injection for at least six months
- Live in a district or city that has recorded 70% of the first dose of vaccination and 60% of the second dose
The presence of a booster vaccine program raises hope amid the emergence of the Omicron variant. If you meet the requirements above and you want a vaccine booster, there's nothing wrong with supporting the success of this program.