Crime of Fake Vaccines

The adulteration of basic immunization vaccines for children is alarming because it could harm the lives and futures of infants and children.

Earlier this week the National Police Criminal Investigation Corps (Bareskrim) revealed cases of fake vaccines for the basic immunization of babies and toddlers. The vaccines that were adulterated were those meant to prevent measles, BCG, tetanus and hepatitis. Cases of vaccine tampering has been occurring since 2003 with profit as the motive.

The government has set five types of basic immunization: measles, hepatitis B, BCG to prevent tuberculosis, polio and DPT (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis).

The crime of fake vaccines cannot be tolerated. Even though the government says that there have not been any reports of mishaps caused by fake vaccines, it does not mean that there are no health risks.

Fake vaccines can endanger the life of a baby. The risk stems from the production process that does not follow a good and proper production standard and therefore increases the risk of infection. Fake vaccines that are made from a mix of antibiotics and IV fluids can also be fatal to babies that are allergic to the antibiotic.

The adulteration of vaccines has a huge impact because it offers a false sense of protection, with the recipient feeling as though they are immunized against disease. Given there are societal groups that refuse to vaccinate their children, the cases of fake vaccines could revitalize these rejections.

The vaccination program freed Indonesia from the risk of smallpox from 1972. The World Health Organization (WHO) also said Indonesia had been polio-free since 2014.

The quality of human development is determined by the quality of living standards, which starts from health. Through vaccination, it makes it possible to prevent death certain bacterial diseases that cause infant mortality and disability. In the long term, vaccines help ensure the recipient live a productive life and contribute to societal prosperity.

The revelation of these fake vaccines raises the question about the effectiveness of government supervision on the production and distribution of vaccines. The question becomes even more relevant given the fact that these acts have been going on for quite a while and have been fairly widespread.

In future, we want the government to be serious in guaranteeing access to basic healthcare, as well as access to basic medication and vaccines that are safe, effective and of good quality for everyone.

Considering the importance of the vaccination program, in future, there also must be sanctions if supervision fails to be carried out. We cannot risk our children's' futures because of lax supervision.

 

Source Kompas, Saturday, June 25, 2016