Prioritizing vaccination as a public program

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Promotion R. Sinuraya

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to global health systems, with Indonesia encountering distinct obstacles to combat the virus. Vaccination became a central component of Indonesia's public health response, underpinned by strategic planning and comprehensive execution to mitigate the pandemic's impact.

This thesis of Rano Sinuraya explores multiple dimensions of Indonesia's response, including predictors of vaccine uptake, routine immunization practices, vaccine hesitancy, drug repurposing for COVID-19, and the pandemic’s broader effects on socioeconomic conditions, the healthcare system, and education. Additionally, it presents an economic evaluation of COVID-19 booster shots within the Indonesian context. The findings indicate that vaccine hesitancy remains a major obstacle to improving vaccine coverage, while socioeconomic factors are closely associated with vaccine uptake. The pandemic has profoundly impacted Indonesia, particularly in terms of economic hardship and food insecurity.

Based on these insights, a framework is proposed to prioritize vaccination as a key public health initiative. This prioritization underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding public health and reducing viral transmission by integrating COVID-19 vaccination into broader health programs. Furthermore, it offers a model for pandemic preparedness and outlines effective strategies for preventing future outbreaks. Successful implementation requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing efficient vaccine distribution, equitable access, and extensive public education campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy and combat misinformation. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of vaccination strategies, informed by epidemiological data and emerging variants, are essential for long-term success.