SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has emphasized that monkeypox (Mpox) vaccination in Indonesia will be prioritized for high-risk groups. 

This recommendation aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which target vaccination for Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and individuals who have had contact with monkeypox patients in the past two weeks.

Additionally, laboratory personnel handling virology specimens in areas with Mpox cases, as well as healthcare workers treating Mpox patients, are also included in the priority vaccination group.

"The administration of the vaccine and Mpox vaccination in Indonesia is preventive," said Prima Yosephine, Director of Immunization Management at the Ministry of Health, as reported by Antaranews.com.

Children are not included in the target group for Mpox vaccination in Indonesia, but healthcare workers handling cases will be vaccinated for protection. Prima emphasized that mass vaccination for Mpox is not currently recommended, as the primary focus is on preventing infection.

The vaccine used in Indonesia is Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN), a third-generation non-replicating vaccine recommended by WHO. The current availability of the vaccine is limited, so areas that have reported Mpox cases are given priority.

Specifically for Bali, vaccination is also prioritized given the upcoming Indonesia Africa Forum international meeting on September 1-3, 2024. "Risk mitigation measures are necessary to prevent the transmission of Mpox," said Prima.

According to the 33rd Epidemiological Week Report of 2024, there have been 88 confirmed Mpox cases in Indonesia across several provinces. The best prevention is to avoid physical contact with infected individuals, while vaccination is aimed at high-risk groups.

Writer: Fariz Ahmad Luthfi