Indonesian president says to get vaccinated first to show COVID-19 vaccine safety

Source: Xinhua| 2020-12-16 18:41:41|Editor: huaxia

JAKARTA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's President Joko Widodo said Wednesday that he is ready to be the first vaccine recipient in the Southeast Asian country so as to convince the people that the vaccines are safe.

"I emphasize that I will be the first recipient vaccinated. This is to give trust and confidence to the public that the vaccines used are safe," he said in a press statement.

The president meanwhile called on the Indonesian people to continue wearing face masks, keeping social distances and washing hands for the good of all before they receive COVID-19 vaccines.

He also noted that the Indonesian government has decided to provide COVID-19 vaccines for people free of charge.

"I can say that the COVID-19 vaccines for the people are free. Once again it's free, there's no charge at all," said the president.

Widodo said he has instructed all the ministries, institutions and regional administrations to prioritize the vaccination program in the 2021 budget year.

"I also instructed and ordered the minister of finance to prioritize and reallocate from other budgets related to the availability and free vaccination. So there is no reason for the people not to get the vaccines," he said. Enditem

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