Kupastuntas.co, Lampung English - The Lampung Provincial Government has so far only received 50 percent or 37,500 doses of the rotavirus vaccine of the specified target of 75,000 doses.

This information was conveyed by the Head of the Lampung Provincial Health Office, Reihana when questioned, Wednesday 16 August 2023.

"Until now we have started to get the rotavirus vaccine. The amount is only 50 percent or 37,500 vaccine doses of our total target of 75 thousand toddlers," Reihana said.

Reihana explained that toddlers who get rotavirus immunization are those aged 2 to 4 months. This immunization can be carried out at the nearest health center and is free of charge or free.

"Right now there is a new rotavirus immunization for toddlers aged 2, 3 and 4 months. Immunization can be obtained at the puskesmas. So please take the toddler to the nearest puskesmas," he advised.

He explained, the rotavirus vaccine is a type of additional immunization to protect toddlers' bodies from rotavirus infection. The virus can infect the intestines and cause diarrhea in toddlers.

"By giving this vaccine, toddlers will be protected from diarrhea due to rotavirus. Diarrhea itself is dangerous because it has a high risk and can cause dehydration," he explained.

In addition, Reihana also said that the Human Papillomavirus vaccine which was given to girls in grades 5 and 6 at the elementary school level had also started.

"The Human Papillomavirus vaccine vaccine has also started to be carried out at the puskesmas, but the puskesmas can also work with the UKS to visit schools so that the implementation of the vaccine can be faster," he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor of Lampung, Chusnunia Chalim, asked parents not to be afraid to bring their children to the puskesmas to get immunizations.

"Don't take this immunization for granted. Apart from maintaining children's health, immunization is our step to prepare the next generation," he said. (*)