The implementation of the 2022 National Child Immunization Month (BIAN) in Bandung is targeting the number of targets to reach 110,881 children. Through BIAN, it is hoped that it can prevent children from 8 diseases that threaten their future.

Head of Disease Prevention and Control Division of the Bandung City Health Office (Dinkes), dr. Ira Dewi Jani conveyed that some of the immunizations that children will receive include measles rubella immunization, oral polio vaccine, polio vaccine injection, and pentavalent immunization consisting of DPT-hemophilus influenza B, and hepatitis B.

"If in August there are children aged 9-59 months who are in good health and regardless of their previous immunization status, then they must receive immunization against measles and rubella," said Ira.

In addition, a check on the Maternal and Child Health (KIA) book will also be carried out to ensure the child's basic immunization.

"If it is complete, it means that in August he will only receive immunization against measles and rubella. But if there is a complete immunization that is missed, he must be given a catch-up vaccination," he said.

He added that the target of BIAN in Bandung until the end of August is expected to reach 95 percent. Then, to catch up the rest, a sweeping will be carried out in September.

At this year's BIAN, the Bandung City Government (Pemkot) also introduced multiple injections for children. If there are children aged 12-59 months in August who have not received basic immunizations, then when they come to health facilities, they will be given more than one injection at a time in different locations.

"For example, one in the hand, one on the foot, like that. Several types of immunizations include oral polio vaccine, injection of polio vaccine, pentavalent immunization (DPT-hemophilus influenza B, and hepatitis B)," he said.

Ira said that RW 8 Cicendo was the first location for the multiple injection scheme to be tested. It turned out that several children had not been immunized due to the pandemic that occurred in the last two years.

"So, yesterday these children received oral polio vaccine, measles, rubella, IPV. Thank God the child is still healthy. This multiple injection has been recommended by WHO from the beginning. However, in Indonesia it has not been carried out massively and simultaneously," he said.

Ira added that until now the BIAN program is still being carried out at posyandu and hospitals in Bandung. This immunization is free of charge and is guaranteed by the government.

"It's not that it's free, it means the vaccine is bad. But, according to the government's considerations, it's more efficient and economical when we prevent rather than treat," he said.

"Because the cost of treating children who have contracted diseases that we can prevent with immunization is much higher than the cost of buying vaccines," he added.

So, he appealed to all people of Bandung City who have children aged 9-59 months to participate in this month's BIAN program. (din)**

Head of the Bandung City Communication and Information Technology

Yayan A. Brilyana