Head of the COVID-19 task force at the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI), Prof. Zubairi Djoerban, has assured that the booster or third COVID-19 vaccine is safe, just like the first and second doses.

“Booster vaccine is safe to be administered to older adults like me, who are almost 75 years and have comorbidities. I have diabetes, high blood pressure, and have had heart surgery,” he said at the Merdeka Barat 9 Forum (FMB 9) themed ‘Booster Vaccine for a Healthier Indonesia’, accessed from here on Thursday.

The third dose needs to be administered, considering that a number of countries with high complete vaccination percentages are still experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases, he added.

“Countries that have fully vaccinated many of their citizens are now experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases. Therefore, a booster vaccine is essential,” Djoerban explained.

Booster vaccinations can be conducted using the remaining available vaccines in the country and can be provided to residents six months after they receive the second dose, he said.

The booster vaccine could be the same brand as in the previous two doses or a different one, Djoerban added.

At the same forum, vaccinologist Sukamto Koesno said there will be a time when the immunity that the vaccine has bolstered will decrease.

Therefore, it is vital to give a booster in the hope that the antibodies that have decreased can increase again with the help of a booster vaccine, he added.

Meanwhile, deputy chairman of Commission IX of the House of Representatives, Melki Laka Lena, said that a booster vaccine is vital since no vaccine has optimal antibodies to protect people from the virus, especially when new COVID-19 variants emerge.

According to data provided by the Health Ministry, as of November 18, 2021, nearly 1,198,599 health workers in the country have received their third COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Source: Antara News