27 Deaths Not Related to Sinovac Vaccine: Indonesia Covid Task Force

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A spokesperson for the National Covid-19 Task Force Wiku Adisasmito said 27 deaths in Indonesia were not related to the effects of the Sinovac vaccine.

Based on the results of the National Commission on Post Immunization (KIPI) investigation, all death cases have not been linked to the vaccination. 

"There were 27 death cases that had been suspected of being related to the Sinovac vaccine. However, after further investigation, the deaths were not related to vaccination," Wiku told a streamed press conference on Tuesday, May 25.

According to Wiku, of the total 27 deaths, 10 cases occurred due to Covid-19 infection, 14 cases were caused by heart and blood vessel diseases, and a case was caused by sudden kidney dysfunction. Two others were caused by diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

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Regarding the results of the investigation, Wiku said, the pre-vaccination stage is important and crucial, during which vaccinators should ensure that the vaccines are recommended for use.

Apart from ensuring medical procedures, this step is important to prevent unwanted incidents. He emphasized that before the vaccination, recipients must be screened. The vaccinators need to do a thorough check on any diseases, travel history, and drug consumption. Then, check for vital signs, such as blood pressure.

"Communication related to vaccine safety is to increase the patient's sense of security and the provision of facilities to provide comfort to patients, such as special booths for patients wearing hijabs and a comfortable injection position," said Wiku.

Also read: Dont Post Your Covid-19 Vaccination Card on Social Media: Indonesia Task Force

Wiku said evaluation steps after the inoculation needs to be done for better vaccination in the future. "Both for improving the quality of service and as a reminder for the public to really be aware of their body condition before receiving the vaccines," he said.

As of Tuesday, May 25 the number of citizens who had been vaccinated against the second dose of Covid-19 reached 10,125,480. They comprised health workers, public officials, and the elderly. Meanwhile, the number of citizens who had been vaccinated against the first dose was 15,330,306. In the second phase of vaccination, the government targeted 40,349,049 peoples.

(Writer: Fitria Chusna Farisa | Editor: Kristian Erdianto)

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/05/26/07225111/satgas-sebut-27-kasus-kematian-tidak-terkait-vaksin-sinovac.