The Board of Professors of Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) held a webinar entitled “Covid-19 Vaccination Webinar” with the theme “A Time to Stand Together”. The activity took place virtually through the zoom meeting application and live streaming on the Unhas Academic Senate YouTube channel at 09.00 on Wednesday (17/02).
drg. Oscar Primadi, MPH. (Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia) attended as a keynote speaker representing the Indonesian Minister of Health. As for other sources, namely Prof. dr. Abdul Kadir, Ph.D., Sp.THT-KL (K), MARS., (Director General of Health RI), Prof. dr. Budu, Sp.M (K), M.Med.Ed., Ph.D., (Dean of FK Unhas and Chair of the Unhas Covid-19 Task Force) and Prof. dr. Syarifuddin Wahid, Ph.D., Sp.PA (K).
Starting the activity, Chairman of the Board of Professors, Prof. Dr. Ir. Mursalim said that the webinar this time was held as an effort to provide information to the public regarding the vaccine administration process.
Since the vaccine arrived in Indonesia, many people refused to be vaccinated. In fact, vaccination is an important part that not only suppresses the rate of spread of Covid-19 but is also expected to have an impact on the country’s economic condition.
On the same occasion, Rector of Unhas, Prof. Dr. Dwia Aries Tina Pulubuhu, MA., expressed her appreciation and pride for holding the webinar. According to her, the Board of Professors of Unhas has facilitated sources of information with significant and strategic themes.
Prof. Dwia said that the vaccine program, apart from stopping transmission and building herd immunity, also had an impact on the conduciveness of Indonesia’s economic growth. Inevitably, of course, there will be problems when this vaccine is carried out which causes public doubts. Therefore, the role of academics is important to jointly educate the public.
“We have a responsibility to anticipate and actively involve in contributing research-based ideas and educating the public. I am sure that the Board of Professors can become an agent in this matter. Unhas is also actively involved by organizing mass vaccinations in collaboration with various parties,” he explained. Prof. Dwia.
The activity was officially opened by the Chairman of the Board of Professors, Prof. Dr. Karim Suryadi, M.Si. In his remarks, Prof. Karim said that the vaccination program requires collectivity and the involvement of all parties to realize the common hope of getting out of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis.
After the official opening, it then continued to the presentation from drg. Oscar Primadi, MPH., as the Secretary-General of the Indonesian Ministry of Health regarding the “Covid-19 Vaccination Policy”.
Drg. Oscar explained that currently there are approximately 158,498 active cases. To reduce the number of cases, vaccination is one of the strategies to protect the community. The vaccine has been certified by BPOM and has received a halal certificate from MUI. With vaccination, it is hoped that group immunity will be formed.
The purpose of Covid-19 vaccination, apart from building immunity, is expected to reduce the risk of illness and death. Vaccines can also strengthen the overall health system and maintain productivity, minimize social and economic impacts.
“The legal aspects of the implementation of Covid-19 already exist through Presidential Decree Number 99 of 2020 concerning Vaccines Procurement and Implementation of Vaccinations in the Context of Pandemic Management and Presidential Decree Number 14 of 2021 concerning Amendments to Presidential Decree Number 99 of 2020,” explained drg. Oscar.
Vaccination is carried out in stages with a total target of 181.5 million people. The initial stage is for health workers and then for people aged 18-59 years. drg. Oscar added that the implementation of the health protocol is still being carried out.
The activity which was attended by approximately 200 participants went smoothly and ended at 12.00 WITA.
Kumara Tungga Dewa, S.S.
Editor: Ishaq Rahman, AMIPR
