Embrace Immunization: How the VaxSocial Program by the Ministry of Health Makes Vaccines Part of Your Lifestyle

In Jakarta, the Ministry of Health is aiming to make immunization a routine part of life for Indonesian families. The goal is to boost children’s health and immunity.

Dr. Prima Yosephine Berliana Tumiur Hutapea, the Director of Immunization, shared this vision during the VaxSocial Program meeting on August 25. The event’s theme was “From the Hashtag to Awareness: Changing Conversations into Protection.” It highlighted successes and lessons learned from the 2024-2025 VaxSocial program, which uses social media and inter-sector collaboration to promote national immunization.

“We want immunization to be a lifestyle,” Dr. Prima stated. She emphasized that parents should understand the importance of protecting their children from birth with routine vaccinations. The Ministry believes that involving health workers, community leaders, and NGOs is crucial to spreading this message effectively.

Elvieda Sarinati, Director of Health and Health Promotion, explained that the Ministry is working to increase awareness about immunization through education and by fostering supportive environments. “We provide monthly webinars for health cadres about the latest immunization issues and collaborate with schools to emphasize this importance,” she said.

Digital strategies have already shown promise. Ganendra Awang Kristandya from Global Health Strategies reported a boost in public knowledge and awareness about immunization in provinces like North Sumatra and West Kalimantan. He noted that social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have been instrumental in this effort.

In Riau, one of the key areas for the VaxSocial program, community education has ramped up thanks to social media and influencer support. Drg. Sri Sadono Mulyanto, Head of the Riau Provincial Health Office, pointed out that these modern communication methods have effectively encouraged more residents to visit health posts for their children’s vaccinations.

The VaxSocial meeting creatively combined learning with entertainment, featuring theater and comedy. This blend aims to engage participants and strengthen national strategies for increasing immunization rates across Indonesia. The approach reflects changing times, where traditional messaging meets modern communication styles.

Recent studies show that routine immunizations can prevent illnesses that affect thousands of children each year. According to the World Health Organization, vaccines can save upwards of 1.5 million lives annually. By changing how we talk about and approach vaccinations, the hope is to protect more children while keeping families informed and engaged.

Overall, the Ministry of Health is making strides toward a healthier future for Indonesia’s children, turning vaccinations into a normal part of family life rather than a daunting task.

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The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) will make immunization a part of the lifestyle of the Indonesian people. The goal is to improve health or immunity in children