Indonesia Approves Measles Vaccines for High-Risk Adults and Health Workers

Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has officially approved the use of a measles vaccine produced by PT Bio Farma for adults at risk of measles infection, effective April 7, 2026.

Following this regulatory approval, the Indonesian Health Ministry announced on April 8, 2026, that it is prioritizing measles vaccinations for 39,212 medical personnel and 223,150 healthcare workers. This initiative targets individuals across 14 regions that have reported the highest number of cases as part of a broader effort to protect vulnerable adults during ongoing outbreaks.

Lucia Rizka Andalusia, the Health Ministry’s Director General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, stated on April 8, 2026, that the vaccination push also includes 28,321 general practitioners and dentists who are currently completing internships across the country.

Regulatory Approval Process

BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar explained during a press conference in Jakarta on April 8, 2026, that the decision to expand the vaccine’s usage indication from children to adults was a strategic move to enhance the nation’s health resilience.

BPOM officially announces the granting of a distribution permit number that expands the usage indication for PT Bio Farma’s measles vaccine to the adult age group at risk of measles infection

Taruna Ikrar, BPOM Head

The agency cited three primary reasons for granting the approval. First, BPOM engaged in strategic consultations and obtained technical input from the World Health Organization (WHO). Second, the agency coordinated with experts and the National Drug Assessment Committee to secure independent reviews. Third, BPOM conducted strict evaluations of all existing clinical trials for the vaccine.

Public Health Strategy and Implementation

While measles vaccination remains mandatory for children—administered at nine months, 18 months and as a booster in the first grade of elementary school—recent outbreaks have prompted the Health Ministry to implement Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) in high-incidence areas.

Andalusia noted on April 8, 2026, that the risk of transmission to high-risk groups is significant, particularly for healthcare workers who handle patients directly. To support this rollout, the government currently has approximately 9.8 million vaccine doses available nationwide, which is estimated to be sufficient for about 5.5 months.

The distribution of these stocks is being monitored in real time through the Electronic Immunization and Logistics Monitoring System (SMILE). This system tracks vaccine movement from provincial warehouses down to community health centers to ensure a smooth supply chain for frontline workers.

Vaccination Context in Indonesia

The expansion of vaccine access comes amid challenges in maintaining high immunization rates. Data from August 25, 2025, indicated that only 72% of the 22 million children under five in Indonesia had received the measles vaccine the previous year, with some provinces reporting even lower rates.

Current measles-containing vaccines registered with BPOM include the combined Measles-Rubella (MR) and Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccines, as well as other registered options such as Prequat and Priorix Tetra.

The Health Ministry will continue to coordinate with regional governments to ensure that vaccinations are rolled out effectively for the prioritized healthcare personnel in the most affected regions.