Government Provides PCV Immunization for All Indonesian Children To Protect from Dangers of Pulmonary Inflammation (Pneumonia)

Palembang, 12 September 2022 - Pneumonia is an infectious disease which is the main cause of death in children in the world. This disease can be treated if diagnosed as early as possible and can be prevented by immunization. This is evident in countries where Pneumococcal conjugate or PCV immunization is part of the routine immunization programme.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that PCV is included in routine immunization programmes for children around the world. PCV immunization provides effective protection for infants and children against pneumonia or pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacterial infection.

The Ministry of Health is committed to protecting all Indonesian children from the threat of pneumonia through the provision of the PCV immunization programme which started in 2017 and will be carried out in stages. This year, all Indonesian children without exception will benefit from protection from the PCV vaccine.

Today, the Minister of Health of Indonesia, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, launched the national PCV immunization programme at the Talang Jambe Health Center, Palembang City, joining virtually from his residence in Jakarta.

The Deputy Governor of South Sumatra Province, the Mayor of Palembang, all ranks of the Regional Government of South Sumatra Province and Palembang City were present during the launch together with community members.

Minister Budi also participated in a video conference with regional heads in five provinces, namely Bali, Gorontalo, West Sumatra, DKI Jakarta and East Java, to monitor the readiness of implementing PCV immunization at the regional level.

Minister Budi said that the provision of PCV immunization is very important for Indonesian children, since pneumonia is a highly endemic infectious disease and the main cause of death in infants and toddlers in the world. In Indonesia, annually about 14.5%  of deaths in infants and 5% of deaths in children under five are caused by pneumonia.

“Today, the Ministry of Health is launching PCV immunization nationally. PCV vaccination is critical because it has been proven to drastically reduce pneumonia which can cause death in children and toddlers. Therefore, with determination, starting in 2022, we will carry out PCV immunization throughout Indonesia," he said.

Given its significant benefit, Minister Budi hopes that PCV immunization will not only reduce morbidity and mortality due to pneumonia, but also prevent stunting among children. Pneumonia not only causes inflammation of the lungs but also interferes with children’s nutrition.

“The infection affects the nutritional health of many toddlers , causing stunting. In addition to reducing infant mortality and  under-five mortality,the provision of PCV immunization is expected to reduce the stunting rate,” he said.

WHO Representative for Indonesia, Dr. N. Paranietharan, said that WHO is ready to support Indonesia in protecting all Indonesian children from dangerous diseases, including pneumonia, through the provision of PCV immunization.

“We hope that Indonesia can reduce infant and child pneumonia cases and deaths after the launch of the national PCV. WHO is committed to supporting the Ministry of Health in providing safe PCV immunization across the country, ensuring that no child is left behind,” said Dr. N. Paranietharan.

In line with WHO, UNICEF Representative for Indonesia, Maniza Zaman said she supports Indonesia's commitment to establishing PCV immunization as routine immunization. She added that the expansion of the PCV immunization coverage area is a good start to protect children from the dangers of pneumonia.

"The national expansion of the  pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is an extremely important life-saving measure for children in Indonesia," Maniza said.

"We are very encouraged by the  Government of Indonesia’s commitment to make this vaccine widely available across the country. By doing so, we can possibly reduce up to half a million pneumonia cases and prevent 10,000 child deaths each year," she added.

PCV immunization service is provided  at posyandu, puskesmas and other health service facilities such as hospitals, clinics and through the independent practice of doctors and midwives, as well as other health service facilities that provide immunization services.

PCV immunization is given in three doses. The first dose at two months of age, the second dose at three months of age and the third dose at 12 months of age. The vaccine, provided free of cost, has received WHO recommendation and passed clearance from the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM)..

Minister Budi expressed his gratitude and appealed to all parties in the government, relevant stakeholders, and all levels of society to maximize collaboration and make the implementation of PCV immunization successful.

“Thank you for the support from all districts, cities and provinces in implementing PCV immunization. We need support from the regions to ensure that our children continue to be protected from dangerous diseases and that later in life, they can live healthier and be productive adults,” he said.

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For further information, please contact:

Head of Bureau of Communication and Public Service, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, M. Epid

Coronavirus hotline: 119 ext 9. Halo Ministry of Health hotline number via hotline 1500-567, SMS 081281562620, facsimile (021) 5223002, 52921669, and email address contact@kemkes.go.id (MF).