Officials from the Badung regional government have officially started to distribute Covid-19 vaccines to hundreds of pregnant women.
Badung Regional Secretary, Wayan Adi Arnawa confirmed that the program to distribute Covid-19 vaccines to thousands of pregnant women in Badung began on Thursday (18/8). “Today, the Badung regional government has officially started the vaccination program which aims to distribute Covid-19 vaccines to around 1,822 pregnant women in our region at the Mangusada Hospital, Kapal Badung. And we aim to vaccinate around 100 women each day.” Arnawa said on Thursday (18/8).
Several days prior, the Indonesian President had instructed multiple related ministers such as the Health Minister, Home Affairs Minister, and Maritime and Investment Coordinator Minister to make people in Bali who are pregnant women or have comorbid health issues a priority to receive the vaccine. As The Bali Sun previously reported, This program is expected to reduce Covid-19 transmissions on the island and was previously criticized by the central government during their inspection visit on Thursday (12/8).
Meanwhile the Obstetrician of the Mangusada Hospital, Dr. Sumardi explained that pregnant women are advised to receive the Covid-19 vaccine between 14 and 33 weeks of their maternity. “Pregnant women are advised to receive the vaccine when they reach 14 weeks.” Dr. Sumardi said. Badung officials will distribute the vaccine from Moderna, as it was believed to have a higher efficacy than the Sinovac vaccine. “They will feel a bit uncomfortable for the next two days post vaccination, as we use a vaccine from Moderna which has higher effectiveness to develop an immune system against Covid-19 once it’s injected to the body.” Dr. Sumardi concluded.
