Vaccine Trial Volunteer Tests Positive for Covid-19 in Indonesia’s West Java

KOMPAS.com – One of the Indonesian volunteers for the Covid-19 vaccine trials in the Indonesian city of Bandung has contracted coronavirus after an out-of-town trip, an official confirmed on Thursday, September 10.

“After receiving the first shot, the volunteer traveled out of town,” Professor Kusnandi Rusmil of Padjajaran University Medical School, who is also the Phase 3 clinical trial research team leader, said in a statement on Thursday, September 10.

When the volunteer came back to Bandung in West Java, the place for the coronavirus vaccine test, Kusnandi said the volunteer then received the second injection following a health examination.

Also read: Indonesia to Make $223.6 Million Down Payment for Covid-19 Vaccine

The volunteer — who is currently self-isolating and under strict monitoring — is in good condition despite testing positive for the Covid-19, he said.

However, he could not confirm whether the volunteer has received a candidate vaccine or a placebo as the trial was implemented under the blind observer principle.

During the Covid-19 vaccine tests, all volunteers were divided into two groups. Some volunteers received candidate vaccines, while others received a placebo.

Also read: President Jokowi Forms New Committee to Curb Covid-19, Revive Economy

Kusnandi said after receiving the second shot, the next day the volunteer underwent a swab test at the Bandung Health Agency. The test was required for the volunteer in anticipation of the potential transmission of the virus after out of town travel.