Imam Hamdi, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has greenlighted all provinces to start inoculating children aged 6 to 11. The rule is set forth in Home Affairs Minister's Instruction no. 66/2021 on the prevention and handling of Covid-19 during Christmas and New Year.

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian signed the instruction on Thursday, 9 December.

"[Provincial governments] can start vaccinating children aged 6-11 years on the condition [the provinces] have reached the minimum inoculation targets of at least 70 percent of the first dose out of the total target, and at least 60 percent for the first dose among the elderly," the instructions said.

On November 2, the Indonesian Food and Drug Agency (BPOM) gave approval for emergency use of Sinovac's Covid-19 vaccine for children above the age of 5. In June, the BPOM also allowed the use of Sinovac for children between the age of 12 and 17.

Another vaccine brand being studied for use in younger children is Sinopharm, which the BPOM is evaluating as of now. The government is also waiting for Pfizer's registration with the BPOM so that it could be injected to children younger than 12 years old.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1537873/indonesia-to-start-vaccine-rollouts-for-children-6-to-1