The first COVID-19 vaccination recipient in Kerobokan Correctional Institution
In the morning, at 08.30, around ten officers and three doctors from the Kerobokan Correctional Institution began to gather for vaccinations that day. There were 100 participants in the vaccination this time. The recipients were 73 people from Correctional Assisted Residents (WBP) and 27 correctional institution officers. This time the activity is a successful effort to organize COVID-19 vaccination for minority groups, bearing in mind that residents of correctional institution do not have access to information like the general public.
Access to the vaccination point is through three doors from the front of the building. This activity was carried out right in front of the clinic, next to the badminton court, close to the mosque. Behind this building is a canteen; some inmates come from there.
The first COVID-19 vaccination injection was given to the assisted residents at around 09.00 WITA. Not always sequentially, several other officers also joined in the queue afterward. The process of this activity was orderly. The inmates, who were initially afraid, finally agreed to participate in this vaccination enthusiastically.
“Wait, you go there first for a health screening. First, check there. When you’re done, come right here,” said one of the vaccination officers to one of the assisted residents.
COVID-19 vaccination in Kerobokan Correctional Institution with some of its residents
Doctor A.A. Gede Hartawan, the person in charge of the clinic, revealed that all officers and assisted residents at the correctional facility are highly interested in giving this vaccination. He said none of the vaccination participants had comorbidities; all of them passed the screening.
“Many people want to be vaccinated, including officers. Later there will be some that follow after the blood donation. I’m glad today the enthusiasm is good. Even though some feared being vaccinated, we can’t force that either,” he explained.
One of the inmates approached Doctor Hartawan. He asked about his blood pressure results, which were beyond the limit because he was after exercising. After resting for an hour, his blood pressure returned to normal.
“If it’s normal, you can take the vaccine. Sit here,” said Doctor Hartawan pointing to the chair in front of him.
The Covid-19 vaccination activity is supported by the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Health Resilience (AIHSP) through Save the Children Indonesia (SCI) and IDEP Foundation for the Provincial Government of Bali, which in this case is carried out by the Badung Health Office and North Kuta Health Center to provide vaccinations for inmates at Kerobokan Prison.
The Inclusive COVID-19 Vaccination Program was initially implemented in three regencies in Bali, namely Buleleng, Jembrana, and Karangasem. However, since December 2022, this program has been implemented in various areas of the Province of Bali.
From July to 2 March 2023, the Inclusive COVID-19 Vaccination carried out by AIHSP and Save the Children and IDEP Foundation in Bali has reached 25,615 people. Among them are 10,103 older adults, 522 people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
Article & Photo: Nicolaus Sulistyo © IDEP Foundation
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