Rapid Assessment: Immunization Services in Indonesia

Highlights

The Ministry of Health in Indonesia, with technical support from UNICEF, conducted a rapid assessment at different levels of the health system to have a better understanding the effects of COVID-19 on immunization services. The aim of this exercise was to identify gaps, gather perceptions of health workers, prepare for the resumption and safe scale up of immunization activities, and tailor interventions to reach vulnerable communities.

From 20 to 29 April 2020, a total of 5,329 of 9,993 Puskesmas (health center) participated in the online survey with a completion rate of 89%, covering 388 of 540 districts and cities across all 34 provinces in the country.

The survey found that in nearly 84% of the reporting health facilities, immunization services are significantly disrupted due to the COVID-19 outbreak and current government policy of physical distancing measures.  While many Puskesmas continue to offer immunization services during the COVID-19 pandemic, many others are either interrupted partially or have shut down the immunization services completely. There is a potential risk of vaccine-preventable diseases outbreaks if immunization services are not reinforced by incorporating the local knowledge and available resources.

As an immediate response to the survey, the MOH developed a guideline on the delivery of safe immunization practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines were socialized to all 34 provinces in early May 2020.