IDNEWSNOW.COM, Jakarta – Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin on Tuesday said that the government will begin administering Covid-19 vaccines to 1.5 million people per day, starting in July. The goal is to have 181.5 million of the population vaccinated in one year.
“In the second semester we must do it at full speed. One million is the average, but in reality in June probably only 500,000 [people vaccinated], because we don’t have the vaccine. July will be tough,” said the minister when inspecting a vaccination area at Lippo Mall Puri in Jakarta, March 9.
Budi said that the number of vaccines available until June is only enough to meet 24 percent of what the government needs. The remaining 76 percent would be ready in the second semester.
Under the circumstances, he said that the ministry is able to take time in implementing the first stage of vaccination, without rushing.
“Because it would only create problems in trying to meet people’s expectation. Therefore we are asking the media to help; tone down the reporting. Because the vaccine supply is limited, and so we cannot rush the vaccination,” he said.
Read: Jokowi Targets 182 mn Indonesians Get Covid-19 Vaccine This Year
HENDARTYO HANGGI
