Prof. Edi Hartoyo: HFMD Vaccine is Important for Children’s Immunity
Jakarta – Professor of Pediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine, Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) Prof. Dr. dr. Edi Hartoyo Sp.A(K) said that vaccination can help prevent attacks of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), also known as Singapore flu, in children. The HFMD vaccine is currently available in Indonesia and can be used to reduce the risk of transmission of the disease in children.
“The efficacy is above 78 percent, but how long its effectiveness lasts still needs to be studied. Just like the COVID-19 vaccine, it is still under research,” said Dr. Edi in an online discussion attended on Monday.
The HFMD vaccine can be given to children aged six months to three years so that children have immunity to enteroviruses, viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease, including EV71. Giving two doses of the HFMD vaccine with an interval of one month between the first and second doses can help protect children from transmission of the virus.
As with other vaccines, Prof. Edi said, HFMD vaccine injections can cause post-immunization side effects such as mild fever, body aches, or nausea in children. In addition to giving the HFMD vaccine, Prof. Edi said that the transmission of hand, foot, and mouth disease in children can be prevented by implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle or PHBS.
“Sanitation is effective in preventing, personal and environmental sanitation needs to be improved. Starting from places to eat, drink.” He explained.
The Ministry of Health during the first quarter of 2024 recorded 6,500 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease in children. In order to reduce the risk of transmission of the disease, the Ministry of Health in May 2024 issued a circular regarding vigilance against the increase in cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease. In the circular, the ministry instructed local governments and health service facility providers to anticipate the transmission of HFMD.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is characterized by fever, the appearance of a rash on the skin and small lumps on the soles of the feet and hands, loss of appetite, sore throat, and lesions on the tongue, gums, or other parts of the mouth. Transmission of the disease can occur through direct contact with sufferers. Nasal and throat fluids, saliva, fluid from blisters, or patient feces can be sources of transmission of the disease. This disease is not classified as a serious disease, and can be cured within seven to ten days.
