Enhancing COVID-19 vaccination as a public programme in Indonesia

Evidence indicates that widespread vaccination with safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines represents the most viable strategy for controlling the pandemic. Implementing this approach as a public health programme offers a promising pathway for preventing future pandemics and managing infectious diseas...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Rano K. Sinuraya, Auliya A. Suwantika, Maarten J. Postma
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:Global Security: Health, Science and Policy
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Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23779497.2025.2529166
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Summary:Evidence indicates that widespread vaccination with safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines represents the most viable strategy for controlling the pandemic. Implementing this approach as a public health programme offers a promising pathway for preventing future pandemics and managing infectious disease outbreaks. In this article, we examine the integration of COVID-19 vaccination into Indonesia’s public health system, identifying key challenges and proposing strategies to enhance vaccine coverage. Our findings underscore the critical role of robust vaccination programmes, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in strengthening Indonesia’s preparedness for infectious disease threats. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 vaccination campaign can inform prioritisation efforts for other vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public can reinforce Indonesia’s approach to VPDs by analysing the strategies, obstacles, and insights gained during the COVID-19 response. One key area for improvement is the enhancement of coordination and integration of vaccination efforts within the primary healthcare system. The pandemic revealed the urgent need for a cohesive and resilient public health infrastructure capable of effectively managing infectious diseases. Addressing systemic challenges – such as the absence of a centralised national vaccine policy authority – can streamline implementation and improve responsiveness. Looking forward, it is essential to incorporate COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunisation schedules and develop targeted strategies for broader demographic groups. Equally important is the continuous monitoring of vaccine safety. Establishing a national pharmacovigilance system to track, evaluate, and transparently report adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) is vital for sustaining public confidence and guiding evidence-based policy. Moreover, leveraging digital technologies, fostering community engagement, and ensuring equitable access are crucial to maintaining a sustainable, responsive, and resilient vaccination programme.
ISSN:2377-9497