Mirza Bagaskara, Jakarta – Indonesian Health Ministry urges the public to get a second COVID-19 booster vaccination amid the current spike in cases. The ministry's spokesman Mohammad Syahril said the surge in daily infections at the end of April was the highest in the last 10 months.

"Daily covid cases are increasing again. Based on data from the Health Ministry as of April 29, daily cases have increased by 2,074," Syahril said in a written statement received by Tempo, on Wednesday, May 3.

Apart from that, Syahril said that the hike in daily cases led to an increase in the need for hospital facilities. "This is influenced by the positivity rate which increased to 14.76 percent. The hospital bed occupancy rate (BOR) also rose to 7.47 percent," he outlined.

The Health Ministry also found a hike in deaths caused by the virus in early April. He explained that the most significant increase in death cases occurred on April 28 with a total of 37 deaths. "Then on April 29, the number decreased with 14 deaths," he informed.

On this basis, Syahril underlined that the government urged the public to be vigilant against the rising transmission of COVID-19, such as by implementing health protocols and getting booster vaccinations.

"Health protocol is the key. Being disciplined in implementing these guidelines is hoped to minimize the risk of covid transmission, especially in highly crowded places," he said.

In addition, Syahril said the government increased the procurement of the Indovac vaccine regimen on April 23, as boosters for those who received the Pfizer primary vaccine.

"Indovac's second booster vaccine can be given at 6-month intervals from the first booster vaccination. People can get the complete vaccination and the second booster shot at the nearest health service facility or vaccination service post in their city," the Health Ministry's spokesman concluded.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1721266/health-ministry-calls-for-second-covid-19-booster-dose-as-cases-ris