The Minister of Health arrived in Surabaya accompanied by Forkopimda East Java, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, Pangdam V Brawijaya Maj. Gen. Suharyanto, East Java Police Chief Inspector General Pol. Nico Afinta, as well as the Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin revealed that the second phase of Covid-19 vaccination for the elderly was carried out until the end of June 2021. In addition, this elderly vaccine is for 38 million people throughout Indonesia.
"There are 38 million targeted to receive the Covid-19 vaccine or as many as 76 million injections. We target it will be completed by the end of June 2021," said the Minister of Health, Saturday (27/2/2021).
Minister of Health revealed that of the 38 million that must be vaccinated in the second stage, 21 million recipients are elderly, and 16 million are public service providers.
"The target is at the end of June, but the problem is not when the target is, but the vaccination is limited. Therefore, it must be carried out in stages. This week, only 150 thousand have been vaccinated," he added.
Vaccination for the elderly, continued Budi, is prioritized because they are people who are at high risk. Because if you are exposed to Covid, the fatality rate will be large.
On that occasion, Budi appreciated the East Java Provincial Government and the Samator Group for implementing the Covid-19 vaccination for the elderly in Surabaya.
"We thank Mrs. Khofifah Indar Parawansa and Pak Arif from Samator, for donating their social capital, gathering their seniors in Surabaya to be vaccinated," he added.
"Hopefully it can be emulated by friends in other areas who have the resources and have access to invite these elderly friends to get vaccinated immediately," he concluded.
Meanwhile, one of the elderly vaccine participants, Liem Giok Tien (70) admitted that he felt safer after receiving the vaccine.
"I saw Pak Jokowi's TV that he dared to vaccinate. He was an example to his people. How come we don't have the courage. So I am brave because Pak Jokowi gave an example," he said.
"After being vaccinated, I felt more comfortable and safer because from the beginning I really intended to have a vaccine," Liem concluded.
