TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesia’s Health Ministry clarified on Sunday, June 30, 2024, regarding the death of a three-month-old male infant in Sukabumi, West Java, following an immunization.
The infant experienced an adverse event following immunization (KIPI) several hours after receiving four vaccines: Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for tuberculosis, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus-hepatitis B-Haemophilus influenzae type B (DPT-HB-Hib), polio drops, and rotavirus for preventing diarrhea.
An investigation by the West Java KIPI Committee, the Sukabumi KIPI Committee, and the Sukabumi Health Service revealed that the infant was born with a midwife’s assistance and had received vitamin K and hepatitis B vaccines.
However, the infant never received subsequent health checkups at a community health center (puskesmas) after birth. The parents only took him to an integrated health post (posyandu) to receive multiple vaccines.
On that day at the posyandu, 18 other children received immunizations, with three receiving the same four vaccines as the deceased infant. These children are currently reported to be in good health.
Following the immunization, the infant developed symptoms of weakness shortly after returning home. His parents promptly contacted the puskesmas. Health workers arrived at the family’s residence and rushed the infant to a hospital.
“Initial medical attention was provided as the immunization officer immediately responded by visiting the house and transporting the infant to the hospital,” said Kusnandi Rusmil, Head of the West Java KIPI Committee.
Sadly, the infant was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital on June 11. The family has requested a further investigation into the case.
