Jakarta – A free measles vaccination campaign is underway in Indonesia, aiming to protect young children during the upcoming Lebaran holiday and associated travel season. The initiative comes as health officials express concern over the highly contagious nature of measles, particularly as people gather and travel more frequently.
Dr. Elsa Hufaidah, Director of Rumah Vaksinasi Pusat (Central Vaccination House), noted the positive response from local communities to the free vaccination program. “We know that the holiday is approaching, and people will be traveling and meeting many others. Measles is a particular concern because it is very contagious,” Dr. Hufaidah said during a media briefing at the Rumah Vaksin clinic in Jakarta on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
With increased mobility expected during the holiday period, Dr. Hufaidah urged parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against measles and other preventable diseases before traveling. This proactive step is crucial in preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.
Measles is transmitted through the air via droplets from infected individuals, and a single patient can infect dozens of others, especially infants between 9 and 59 months vintage. Complete vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe complications, such as pneumonia and diarrhea. Vaccination efforts are particularly focused on children aged 9 months to 15 years.
“Measles can lead to serious complications. Severe cases can result in pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and persistent diarrhea,” Dr. Hufaidah explained. “While measles may initially present as a fever and rash, complications can be devastating, and we want to prevent children from experiencing such severe illness.”
Symptoms of measles include a 2-4 day fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, lasting approximately 4 days. The virus can be transmitted 2-10 days after initial exposure.
Health officials are also working to address parental concerns about potential side effects following vaccination. Dr. Hufaidah reassured parents that any post-immunization adverse events (KIPI) are typically mild, such as fever, and are far less severe than contracting the disease itself. Authorities in DKI Jakarta are also urging parents to ensure children are fully immunized before traveling for Lebaran.
Fever following vaccination can be managed with over-the-counter fever reducers, and typically appears around the fifth day after vaccination. Dr. Hufaidah emphasized that all children are at risk of measles, and that risk increases significantly for those with poor nutrition, weakened immune systems, or incomplete vaccination schedules. The Minister of Health is accelerating measles immunization efforts ahead of Lebaran to prevent widespread transmission.
The ongoing vaccination campaign, conducted in collaboration with organizations like Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia (IDAI), reflects a commitment to protecting Indonesian children from preventable diseases. IDAI and Rumah Vaksinasi Pusat have opened free vaccination services in response to increasing measles cases. This initiative underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to safeguard public health. Rumah Vaksinasi routinely conducts vaccination programs monthly, with increasing community participation.
The Ministry of Health is preparing to offer measles vaccinations at Lebaran travel posts.
Pewarta: Fitra Ashari
Editor: Siti Zulaikha
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