Jakarta – At the start of its launch, the 4-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine NusaGard will just be used in the National Immunization Program (PIN) for cervical cancer control, according to PT Bio Farma.
” This vaccine is particularly for the National Immunization Program. Going forward, it (the HPV vaccine) will be required up until the age of 45,” stated Shadiq Akasya, the president director of the state-run vaccine manufacturer, after the vaccine’s launch occasion in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Bio Farma has gotten an order of 3.1 million dosages for the locally-produced NusaGard vaccine from the government, with the aim of immunizing 2.9 million elementary school children aged 9–14
The vaccine, which was established by Bio Farma in cooperation with the global pharmaceutical company PT Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) Indonesia, has been integrated into the School Children Immunization Month (PREDISPOSITION) program starting from August 2023.
The vaccine orders are forecasted to continue until 2024 to fulfill the requirements of the immunization program, in which two dosages of the HPV vaccine will be provided 6 months apart.
Far, Bio Farma has actually not prepared to commercialize NusaGard for the basic public. Akasya said that his company does not yet have a cost for the vaccine.
At the launch event, the head of the National Food and Drug Supervisory Firm (BPOM), Cent K. Lukito, stated that the NusaGard vaccine produces moderate adverse effects in recipients.
” This vaccine is for those aged 9–45 years based upon the scientific trials,” she included.
Based upon the evaluation results, NusaGard has an effectiveness of 95–100 percent, and its security can last 10–12 years. The vaccine has also been proven to avoid cervical cancer in females aged 9–45 years and protect males aged 9–26 years from HPV.
The NusaGard vaccine is anticipated to receive approval from the World Health Organization (WHO) and become a Bio Farma vaccine that can be exported to 130 nations.
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