Influenza Vaccination Festival for Older People
On Thursday, June 20, 2024, the Indonesian Society of Geriatric Medicine (PERGEMI) Bali, in collaboration with the Sahaja Dharma Sejahtera Foundation, held a free Influenza Vaccination Festival for older people in the North Kuta region. The event took place at the Office of the Subdistrict Head of North Kuta in Badung Regency and was attended by 100 participants.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that influenza causes 500,000 deaths annually, with 70% of these deaths occurring in older people. Annual vaccination is recommended as a preventive measure, but low public awareness about these efforts contributes to influenza remaining a major global health issue.
Bali, like many other regions in Indonesia, faces significant risks from influenza. As a top tourist destination with high visitor traffic each year, Bali is an environment conducive to the spread of contagious diseases like influenza. North Kuta comprises the villages of Kerobokan Kelod, Kerobokan, Kerobokan Kaja, Tibubeneng, Canggu, and Dalung, known for their dense population and as tourist hubs in Bali. Population density in North Kuta can accelerate virus transmission among local residents and tourists alike. Therefore, influenza vaccination for vulnerable individuals such as older people is crucial to protect them from serious complications associated with influenza. Despite its tropical climate not experiencing extreme seasons, changes in weather and environmental conditions can still affect disease transmission rates. Hence, preventive measures such as routine vaccination are highly recommended to reduce the risk of transmission.
The Influenza Vaccination Festival began with a traditional dance performance by the older people, welcoming remarks, a collective prayer, singing the national anthem “Indonesia Raya,” and the older people march. The event proceeded with informational sessions emphasizing the importance of influenza vaccination for older people, aiming to dispel doubts and taboos surrounding the vaccine prevalent in the community. This is particularly important given widespread hesitancy toward vaccination due to issues related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Providing accurate information and comprehensive education is hoped to help the public understand the benefits of influenza vaccination for their health, especially among older people who are vulnerable to the disease. This approach also serves as part of the strategy to increase older people’s participation in vaccination programs.
The older people enthusiastically welcomed the event. Those who were initially apprehensive were visibly eager to participate in influenza vaccination. At the conclusion of the event, joyous expressions were evident as they posed for photos together, proud to have received their influenza vaccinations. This demonstrates that efforts to provide information and education about the importance of vaccination can change public attitudes and perceptions toward vaccines.
Let’s join hands to protect ourselves and our loved ones by getting vaccinated!
