CHILD IMMUNIZATION IN COVID 19 PANDEMIC SITUATION: IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR PARENTS

The Covid 19 pandemic situation affects various aspects of life, especially in the field of health services, for an example is immunization services. Disturbances occur starting from the schedule of immunization, place of service, distribution of vaccines and the readiness of officials and the willingness of parents to bring their children to the health care units.

            Parents postpone or do not bring their children for immunization due to several reasons. Parents fear to bring their child to a health center, hospital or doctor's office. Health workers themselves are hesitant to conduct services due to fear of contracting the corona virus, or because of ignorance about how immunizations are carried out during the pandemic.

             As a result of this situation has an effect on vaccine coverage. Immunization coverage has decreased. If this is remain unchecked, sooner or later there will be an explosion of diseases that can be prevented by immunization. If this happens this will be an additional burden for patients, families, communities and countries in the Covid 19 pandemic era.

           Routine immunizations that enter the government program are BCG, Polio, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Haemophilus Influenza type B, Measles and Rubella immunizations. This immunization schedule from birth to 18 months is given according to a regular schedule.

        During this pandemic, there was a reported decrease in immunization coverage for diseases that could be prevented by immunization. Ministry of Health's report that there was a decrease in coverage in February, March, April 2020. If there is a tendency to leave this trend, there will continue to be a decrease in coverage. Examples of extraordinary events (epidemi) related to decreased immunization coverage prior to the pandemic. The increase in diphtheria cases in almost all regions of Indonesia is due to a decrease in DPT immunization coverage. Likewise, measles outbreaks in Asmat Regency of Papua, due to the very low coverage of measles vaccination. The case of Polio in 2005. If this condition is remain then slowly but surely we will get back the emergence of diseases that should have been prevented by immunization.

          The steps that have been taken by Association of Indonesia Pediatrician (named IDAI) as a professional organization that has issued a recommendation to keep immunizing with regard to health protocols. Pediatricians are encouraged to return to immunization services both in hospitals and in private practice. Doctors are also actively advised to contact their patients to recommend immunization of their children. It is recommended to the public not to postpone immunization, for those who have already delayed immunization. The Ministry of Health has also issued a Technical Guide to Implementing Immunization in the Covid 19 pandemic era. Publications and recommendations through webinars on health workers have also been carried out to increase knowledge, eliminate doubts and fears of health workers.

        Some important things to note are the health protocol requirements that must always be maintained. From the officer side, for example: the use of PPE, hand hygiene, make sure there is no history of contact with covid patients. Make sure there are trash cans, tissues, hand sanitizers, washbasins, stationery that is routinely cleaned, restrictions on the use of paper, and arrangements for the flow in and out of patients are regulated.

           To the parents, they were told not to be afraid to bring their children for immunizations. For children whose immunizations are delayed to immediately immunize. By implementing health protocols correctly and disciplined, the danger of Corona virus transmission will be avoided. The correct use of masks, the application of physical distancing, hand hygiene and avoiding touching the face before washing your hands are things that parents must pay attention when bringing their children to immunize.

          In conclusion, although it is unknown when Covid 19 pandemic will end, immunization services should not be disrupted. Coverage must continue to be increased to avoid outbreaks of diseases that can be prevented by immunization.