The Jakarta government launched the 2024 National Polio Immunization Week for children aged 0–7 on Tuesday, coinciding with National Children’s Day.
The immunization week in Jakarta involves two rounds aiming to administer two drops of the oral vaccine to at least 181,930 children daily. The province targets 1,209,303 children.
Suharini Eliawati, Jakarta’s provincial assistant for social welfare, said the local government is implementing several strategies to achieve the target.
One strategy involves conducting immunization in child-friendly public spaces, kindergartens, schools, and tourist spots.
“The Health Office has mapped out locations for the Polio Immunization Week throughout Jakarta, ensuring completion of both rounds,” Eliawati said.
The first round of immunization runs from July 23 to August 3, and the second from August 6 to 17.
Head of the Jakarta Health Office, Ani Ruspitawati, said the Polio Immunization Week aims to prevent extraordinary poliomyelitis events in Indonesia.
While Jakarta has detected no polio cases, massive immunization remains necessary.
“Jakarta is at moderate risk for polio infection, based on the WHO risk assessment,” she said, referring to the World Health Organization.
She also noted Jakarta residents’ high mobility and frequent travel to other provinces.
“High and equitable immunization coverage will protect Jakarta from polio infection,” she said.
The Polio Immunization Week will also take place at integrated health posts, local health centers, community unit offices, places of worship, and