An Indonesian health official has addressed concerns raised by a recent report of the death of an infant in Sukabumi, West Java, following a double vaccination.
“Double vaccination, which involves administering recommended vaccines in one visit, is a safe practice,” Prima Josephine, director of the vaccine management department at the health ministry, said Sunday.
Josephine stressed that the national immunization program, which includes routine and booster vaccination schedules, follows the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations.
“Dual vaccination is as safe and effective as single vaccination,” she added.
She explained that administering multiple vaccinations during one visit is essential to protect children from various diseases as early as possible.
“The number of antigens in vaccines is minimal compared to what our bodies encounter daily and does not put too much strain on the immune system,” Josephine pointed out.
This is confirmed by a report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which shows that giving a combination of several vaccines at once does not lead to chronic health problems.
The recommended vaccines are effective, whether combined or given individually. While some combinations may cause temporary fever, this is a harmless side effect.
Josephine also highlighted the benefits of dual vaccination, including faster protection for children, reduced anxiety and pain from fewer shots, and increased efficiency for health workers.
We must do everything possible to ensure our children are as protected as possible.
