Malang, en.SERU.co.id – Dr. Saiful Anwar Hospital (RSSA) has begun administering Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccines to healthcare and medical personnel in Malang City as a proactive measure to prevent measles transmission. The vaccination program is being carried out in stages over four days.
Dr. Diana Wati Ekasari, Head of RSSA’s Service Working Team, stated that the initiative targets a total of 1,224 individuals. All participants had previously undergone screening and data collection through the microplanning system of the Malang City Health Office.
“The targets include both medical and non-medical staff who are at risk of contact with patients. They had already completed screening data via Google Form in accordance with East Java Provincial Health Office guidelines,” Dr. Diana explained on Tuesday (12/5/2026).
According to the screening results, around 104 participants require two doses of the vaccine, either because they had never received the MR vaccine before or had unclear vaccination histories.
“Those who have received one dose previously only need a single booster shot. However, individuals who have never been vaccinated or cannot recall their history will need two doses,” she added.
Read Also:
Hundreds of Confirmed Measles Cases in Children Up to February 2026, Here’s How to Prevent It
For those requiring a second dose, it will be given 28 days after the first. The vaccination at RSSA is scheduled for May 11, 12, and 13, with the final session on May 21, 2026, following the joint holiday period.
The program was initiated in response to rising measles cases and several outbreaks (KLB) reported in various regions. While measles patients have been recorded in Malang City, Dr. Diana noted that no healthcare workers have been infected so far.
Dr. Heri Sutanto, SpPD-KPTI, a Consultant in Tropical Infectious Diseases at RSSA, confirmed that measles is highly contagious. The recent increase in cases has been partly attributed to gaps in routine childhood vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The measles virus has always been present. When a generation has incomplete vaccination coverage, the risk of transmission rises. Once cases increase, the virus can easily spread to vulnerable groups, including the elderly and people with comorbidities,” Dr. Heri explained.
He emphasized that measles can cause more severe complications in adults, particularly those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, or weakened immunity due to fatigue.
“In adults, an overactive immune response can actually trigger more serious symptoms, such as shortness of breath or severe skin conditions. That is why vaccination is crucial to reduce the risk of severe illness and further transmission,” he said.
Regarding side effects, Dr. Heri noted that adults generally tolerate the vaccine well. Nevertheless, all participants at RSSA are required to undergo a 15-minute observation period after injection to monitor for any allergic reactions or other complaints. (bas/mzm)
