Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Indonesian Ministry of Health on Thursday issued a circular on the phase 3 of the national vaccination program for vulnerable people and children aged 12-17 years old.

The third stage of vaccination follows an increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in children.

Until June 29, 2021, almost 260,000 of the approximately 2 million positive cases of COVID-19 in Indonesia were children aged 0-18 years, and 108,000 cases were found at the age range of 12-17 years.

Of those figures, more than 600 children aged 0-18 years died, while the case on the fatality rate among 197 children aged 12-17 years was 0.18 percent.

Meanwhile, the National Immunization Expert Advisory Committee (ITAGI) has provided recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination for children, and the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (locally known as BPOM) on June 27, 2021, issued approval for the use of Bio Farma's (Indonesian state-owned vaccine manufacturer) Sinovac vaccine for the age group of 12 years and over.

The vaccine used for children aged 12-17 years old is of China’s Sinovac with a dose of 0.5 ml for each shot, with a minimum interval of 28 days.

Children can get injections in health service facilities or in their schools in coordination with the education offices.

The mechanism for screening, administering, and observing the vaccinations on children is the same as for those aged 18 years and over.

Children must bring a family card or other document that includes their identification number. Their data will be included in the PCare application as a group of teenagers.

Reporting by Indonesia Window