UNAIR NEWS – Red and White Vaccine has officially gone through the clinical trial phase on Wednesday, February 9. If it goes smoothly, as the Ministry of Health (Menkes) of the Republic of Indonesia (RI), Ir Budi Gunadi Sadikin CHFC CLU mentioned, Red and White vaccine (Vaksin Merah Putih) would be used as a booster, a child vaccine, and international donation vaccine.
Although already commenced, the Red and White vaccine realization as a booster must also align with the primary vaccination program targeted at the end of March 2022. “We have to wait for the speed of vaccination. For that, the clinical trial strategy must be adjusted to the injection timing,” he said.”
Meanwhile, its use for child vaccines was considered by Ir. Budi as a great potential to Indonesia. “There are not many primary vaccines for children aged 3-6 years old. Therefore, the Red and White vaccine has great potential in its use,” he explained virtually in the clinical trial ceremony.
In addition to being a booster and a child vaccine, the government and the Ministry of Health are also pushing for the only production of domestic vaccine initiatives that undergo the three stages, as an international donation vaccine. “The president is willing to use this as a donation vaccine from the Republic of Indonesia, especially as chairman of the G20, to other countries in need,” he said.
With halal certification, the Red and White vaccine is expected to cover the entire population, including countries with Muslim populations. “Therefore, not only locally, but also internationally,” he uttered.
After conducting the clinical trials, the Red and White vaccine must conduct a global registration process as soon as possible to achieve this goal. “Before released internationally, the Red and White vaccine must first register in World Health Organization (WHO) and get an international listing,” mentioned the man born in West Java.
With supports from various parties, including local government and Ministry of Health, Ir Budi as Health Minister is optimistic that the Red and White vaccine will successfully undergo clinical trials and meet the expectations and plans that have been made. “Although later it will become more difficult, with cooperation and supports from various parties that have been received, I think it will be carried out well,” he mentioned. (*)
Author: Stefanny Elly
Editor: Nuri Hermawan