Covid-19 Booster Shots Are Free to the Public, Says Jokowi

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia is set to administer the third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, which will be free to the public, starting from Jan. 12.

President Joko "Jokowi” Widodo said that the decision to provide free booster shots was taken as the government prioritizes the safety of the people in an effort to control the pandemic.

“I decided that the third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine will be free to the public in Indonesia because the safety of the people is the main priority,” Jokowi said in a televised message on Tuesday, Jan. 11.

The President said that the government will start the booster shot rollout on Wednesday, Jan. 12 by prioritizing senior citizens and vulnerable groups.

Also read: Indonesia Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Five Covid-19 Booster Shots

“Starting from Jan. 12, 2022, the government will administer the third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine for the elderly and vulnerable groups,” he said.

“This effort is important to strengthen body immunity as the coronavirus continues to mutate. With that, I have decided that the booster shots will be free to the public,” he said.

The Covid-19 booster jabs will be administered to the people who have received their second dose of the vaccine six months ago.

Amid the omicron threat, Jokowi urged the public to follow health protocols by wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and washing hands. “Vaccination and following health protocols are the keys to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.”

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