Indonesia Expands Measles Vaccination to Adults for Outbreak Control

The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has officially expanded the authorization for measles vaccines to include at-risk adult populations. This regulatory shift, which became effective on April 7, 2026, is a strategic response to an extraordinary measles incident (KLB) occurring across multiple regions of Indonesia in 2026.

The decision aims to strengthen the country’s health resilience by addressing a critical gap in public health safety. Historically, measles vaccinations in Indonesia have been administered primarily to children as part of the national immunization program, typically utilizing combination vaccines such as measles-rubella (MR) and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR).

Outbreak Data and Current Trends

Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that as of week 11 of 2026, Indonesia recorded 58 measles KLB incidents. These outbreaks were spread across 39 districts and cities within 14 provinces, with total cases reaching 2,740.

While the number of infections has since decreased, the government continues to emphasize the necessity of strict surveillance. By mid-March 2026, daily measles cases showed a significant decline of 93 percent, dropping from a peak of 2,220 cases to 146 cases.

Despite this downward trend, health authorities warn that the risk of transmission remains high, particularly among adult groups who have suboptimal immunization coverage. Recent epidemiological trends have revealed that infections are no longer limited to the pediatric population, prompting the need for broadened protection.

Priority Groups and Vaccine Access

The Ministry of Health is prioritizing the administration of vaccines to high-risk groups to ensure the stability of the healthcare system. Specifically, the government is focusing on medical personnel and healthcare workers who operate on the front lines of patient care, as they are most susceptible to transmission during an outbreak.

Priority vaccination efforts include:

• All internship doctors in high-risk areas.
• Healthcare workers stationed in the 14 provinces with the highest case numbers.
• At-risk adult populations with insufficient previous immunization.

The regulatory expansion allows for the use of several vaccine types in adults, including the single measles vaccine, the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, and the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Regulatory Approval and Local Production

During a press conference in Jakarta on April 8, 2026, BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar explained that the agency’s approval for the Bio Farma-produced measles vaccine for adults was the result of a rigorous study based on scientific data. This process was conducted to ensure that the vaccines meet international standards for safety, quality, and efficacy.

As a WHO-Listed Authority (WLA) in the vaccine sector, BPOM conducts a data-based evaluation process and international collaboration while upholding the principle of prudence

Taruna Ikrar, Head of BPOM

The inclusion of locally produced vaccines from Bio Farma is expected to significantly increase the reach and accessibility of the immunization program. While global vaccines were previously available for adults, the authorization of local options introduces more affordable alternatives for the population.

By expanding the eligibility of the MR vaccine and other options, the Indonesian government aims to create a protective buffer around those most likely to encounter the virus, thereby reducing the overall rate of transmission across the archipelago.

BPOM continues to monitor the availability and access to these vaccines to ensure that the response to the 2026 outbreak remains effective and data-driven.