Indonesia Expands Measles Vaccination to Adults and Health Workers

Indonesia’s Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has approved the expanded use of measles vaccines for at-risk adult groups to control ongoing outbreaks. The approval, which became effective on April 7, 2026, follows a data-driven scientific evaluation and consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO).

The decision responds to a public health emergency characterized by rising measles cases across several regions. According to data from the Health Ministry, 58 measles outbreaks were recorded in 39 districts and cities across 14 provinces as of the 11th week of 2026.

BPOM head Taruna Ikrar stated that while there was a 93 percent decline in cases from a peak of 2,220 cases to 146 cases in mid-March 2026, strict surveillance is still required. He noted that transmission risks persist, particularly among adults who have low immunization coverage.

Prioritizing Healthcare Workers

The Ministry of Health is implementing a phased vaccination approach, initially prioritizing medical workers and health personnel. Rizka Andalusia, the Director General of Pharmacy and Medical Devices, explained that this group is at high risk because they deal directly with patients.

For the first phase, the Ministry of Health is targeting 39,212 medical workers and 223,150 health personnel in the 14 provinces reporting the highest number of cases. The program will cover 28,321 general practitioners and dentists currently undergoing internships across Indonesia.

The total vaccine requirement for these priority adult groups is estimated at approximately 290,000 doses. Rizka Andalusia stated that the current national stockpile is sufficient to meet this demand, with the MR vaccine stock standing at 9.8 million doses, which is projected to last for 5.5 months.

Tragic Trigger for Policy Change

The shift in vaccination policy follows the death of a 26-year-old intern doctor, identified by the initials AMW, who was serving in Cianjur Regency, West Java. AMW died on March 26, 2026.

An investigation by the Ministry of Health confirmed that the intern doctor contracted measles, which led to severe complications affecting both the brain and the heart.

Vaccine Availability and Approval

The BPOM authorization covers several types of vaccines, including MR, MMR, and single-component measles vaccines. These are produced by Bio Farma/Serum Institute of India, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD).

The approval is expected to optimize the use of domestically produced vaccines from Bio Farma, which had previously been prioritized for children. Taruna Ikrar emphasized that the decision was based on a rigorous scientific review to ensure quality, efficacy, and safety.

As a WHO-Listed Authority (WLA) for vaccines, BPOM conducts data-driven evaluations and international collaboration while prioritizing the precautionary principle

Taruna Ikrar, BPOM head

The evaluation process involved the National Committee for Drug Evaluation and an analysis of real-world evidence and clinical trial data.

Public Health Strategy

The Ministry of Health is focusing on maintaining steady vaccine stocks across all regions. Rizka Andalusia noted that the goal is to ensure availability without creating excessive stockpiles, which would increase the risk of vaccines being damaged.

The expansion of vaccine access to adults is viewed as a critical step in closing immunization gaps that have left certain populations vulnerable to the virus. By focusing on the 14 hardest-hit provinces and the medical personnel working within them, health authorities aim to reduce the potential for further transmission and prevent additional fatalities among healthcare providers.