Vaccination is always an interesting topic to discuss because controversy surrounding vaccines occurs worldwide. The issues that develop in society are very different from the reality. In my region, Indonesia, Aceh Province is the province with the highest number of people refusing vaccinations, both DPT and Hib vaccines for children, as well as other vaccines. I have visited several websites to learn about the vaccine obstacles that occur in my area, Aceh.

The declining trend in complete basic immunization coverage in Aceh is also evident in 2021 data, which recorded a figure of 38.4 percent. This makes Aceh the province with the lowest complete basic immunization coverage in Indonesia. This condition has the potential to increase the risk of extraordinary events (KLB) of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as diphtheria, pertussis, and measles-rubella. In North Aceh Regency, DPT-HB-Bib immunization coverage also shows a concerning figure. In 2022, DPT-HB-HIB immunization coverage only reached 38.4 percent, meaning approximately 72 percent of children have not received diphtheria immunization. Furthermore, in 2023, there were 26 cases of parturition and 20 cases of diphtheria in Aceh, with one case resulting in death (aceh.one).

One factor contributing to low immunization coverage is a lack of parental knowledge and awareness of the importance of immunization. Some parents are reluctant to take their children for immunizations due to concerns about post-immunization side effects, such as fever. Furthermore, misinformation and a lack of education about the benefits of immunization also hinder increased immunization coverage. (databoks.katadata.co.id)

Based on this source, I created a research proposal entitled "The Role of Parental Education in Compliance with Complete Basic Immunization for DPT and Hib Vaccines in Toddlers." The research revealed that many parents still lack understanding about vaccines and are often misinformed about them. Furthermore, the frequent side effects in children after receiving vaccines make them very afraid of vaccines. The government is taking various measures to convince the public of the benefits of vaccination, including outreach, education, and special advertisements about the benefits of vaccination.

A common complaint from parents after their child receives a vaccine is that the child will experience a fever accompanied by pain at the injection site, some of which may also be swollen. However, these symptoms usually resolve after two days. Paracetamol is recommended to quickly relieve the fever and reduce the pain. In addition to the side effects, some also question the raw materials used in the vaccine: are they derived from animals that are permissible for consumption according to Islam, or are they made from animals that are forbidden (haram).

Several sources say that vaccines are made from monkeys, pigs, and other animals that are not permissible in Islam. Many of us refuse to be vaccinated because of the raw materials used in these vaccines. Many parents also comment that they don't mind the side effects of vaccination, only the raw materials used to make them. In this digital age, many parents understand the benefits of vaccination and know that it can prevent several deadly diseases.

Source

I still need to gather more information and other reasons why parents don't want their children vaccinated to complete my research proposal, which is my final assignment for my undergraduate degree. To be honest, I don't really understand vaccines because my major is nursing. I will deepen my understanding of vaccines and ask more questions to the vaccination officers where I work.

In our area, vaccination is assigned to midwives who work specifically in villages. They are also equipped with specialized knowledge about vaccines through mandatory training from the health department. Currently, there are no specific government regulations requiring complete basic immunizations for children, as described in the previous section. COVID-19 vaccination was mandated some time ago.

_{who is @yuliadi
Yuliadi is a 38-year-old nurse living in Indonesia. Since discovering Hive, I've been more active on my blog and writing original content every day. I use Indonesian, translated using Google Translate. My blog is my life.
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