Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. It affects people differently, with most exhibiting mild cases, especially in children and young adults. However, in some cases, it can result in serious illness, with about 20% of those infected requiring hospital care. 

COVID-19 does not discriminate between nationalities, sexes, or ages. It is important to not let fear lead to stigma toward friends, neighbours, or members of the community. Treat all people with compassion and speak up if you hear others making statements that cause stigma against people in your community. 

This virus can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are mostly spread when a person with the virus coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. 

People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. As such, keeping a physical distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) away and avoiding handshakes and hugs help to prevent contracting coronavirus. Hence, we urge you to strictly follow the advice of health experts and protect yourself from contracting this new virus. 

Do not pay attention to comments or rumors about the COVID-19 from unofficial sources! Only get information from official sources. Respect the measures put in place by the Government  

• Stay at home and only leave to buy essential goods or to seek medical attention. 
• Wear a mask every time you leave your house. Specially if you are sick, it is important to wear a mask to protect other people  
• Practice hand hygiene by washing your hand with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer  
• Practice a physical distancing, you should be at least 1.5-2 meters away from other people 
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth  
• Cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow when you cough or use a tissue when you sneeze  
• Keep surfaces in your home clean, such as tables, chairs, desks, switches, door handles, faucets, etc.  
• Avoid crowds, large social gatherings, entertainment or sporting activities outside  
• People who are over 60 years old or have previous illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, heart or airway conditions and cancers, are at greater risk of developing a serious form of COVID-19  

For more information, please consult the World Health Organization (WHO) WhatsApp Service: http://bit.ly/who-covid19-whatsapp 

For more information from the Indonesian Government on the situation, please consult: https://covid19.go.id/ but please note the site is only available in Bahasa Indonesia 

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are: 

• Fever (38 degree Celsius or higher), tiredness and dry cough. 
• Some people may have aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, headaches, loss of taste or smell, a rash on skin.  

These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. Most people recover from the disease without needing special treatment.  

Older people, those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.  

If you have high fever and are coughing, rest sufficiently at home, eat balanced diet and drink enough water. If you continue to feel sick in addition to having difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, please seek guidance and medical assistance immediately by contacting relevant COVID19 hotlines below.  

If you feel healthy but have been in contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days, please also contact relevant COVID-19 hotline. 

The following COVID-19 Hotlines area available across the country: 

• Nationwide, contact COVID-19 Hotline: 📞 119 ext 9, 📞 117, 📞 1500 567, 📞 0811 333 99 000 
• In Jakarta, contact Government Hotline: 📞 112, 📞 081 112 112 112, 📞 081 388 376 955 
• In West Java (Bogor, Bekasi, Depok), contact Government Hotline: 📞 119, 📞 0811 2093 306 
• In Banten (Tangerang), contact Government Hotline: 📞 0852 1577 9659  

Alternatively, Contact CWS Health Hotline: 📞 0811 8161 511  

If you are having difficulty contacting the hotlines above or accessing COVID-19 services, please contact UNHCR’s COVID-19 Hotlines: 

1. English & Other Languages: 📞 0811-8610-036 
2. Arabic: 📞 0811-8610-035 
3. Farsi: 📞 0811-8610-033 
4. Somali: 📞 0811-8610-034 

It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared, or angry during a crisis. It is also important to remain calm and practise good habits: 

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a good diet, sleep, exercise, and communication with loved ones 
• Avoid using smoking, alcohol, or other drugs to deal with your emotions 
• If you feel overwhelmed, speak to a health worker or counsellor 
• Limit time reading news that causes anxiety, and only follow trusted health instructions. Try to avoid misleading information and rumours. 

How can I support my children? Children may respond to stress in different ways. They may become more clingy, anxious, withdrawn, angry or agitated, start bedwetting etc. 

• Respond to your child’s reactions in a supportive way, listen to their concerns, and give them extra love and attention. 
• Provide facts about what has happened, explain what is going on now, and give them clear information about how to reduce their risk of being infected by the disease in words that they can understand depending on their age. 
• Explain to children what may happen if a family member becomes ill. 

Access to the vaccine in many countries is still limited. In Indonesia, up to date, 21% of the targeted population are fully vaccinated. UNHCR Indonesia has been diligently working to provide its persons of concern with access to the vaccine. Currently, there are more and more refugees are receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in Indonesia. We hope that you will receive it as soon as possible.

Can I opt-out of vaccination against COVID-19?

Yes, taking the vaccine is your decision. However, governments worldwide, including Indonesia, allow only vaccinated people to access public places and services such as public transportation and shopping facilities. Unless you are vaccinated, you are likely to experience movements restrictions.

I have a comorbidity, but I was informed that I cannot take the vaccine now. When can I get my dose if medical staff advise me that I am not in a condition to take my doses yet?

The medical staff is the right person to give you advice on your health situation, and you must follow the medical instructions.

Can I have a chance to swap with a family member who is also elderly with comorbidity?  

Currently, the priority in receiving the vaccine is given to older and persons with comorbidities. If you know of a person who meets these criteria, do let us know and help them register themselves for the vaccine.

Can I have options to take my preferred vaccine?

If you miss the available opportunity to receive the vaccine, there is no guarantee that you will have another chance. All vaccines authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO), are safe and effective.

What is the purpose of vaccination?

To expose the body to an antigen (virus) that will not cause disease but will trigger an immune response that in the future can block or kill the virus if a person becomes infected.

What types of COVID-19 vaccines are in Indonesia?

Sinovac

Sinopharm

AstraZeneca

Pfizer

Moderna

What is the best vaccine? Can I choose a certain type of vaccine?

Any vaccine available to you is best for you.

Vaccine supplies are limited

All available vaccines in Indonesia have been accepted (EUL) by the World Health Organization (WHO).

What are the side effects of the vaccination?

Pain, swelling, redness at the injection site

Tips:

• Doing cold compress at the injection site
• Take paracetamol according to the dose

Tiredness or chills

Fever

Sleepiness

Headache

Nauseous

Tips:

• Drink more water
• Wear comfortable clothes
• Take a warm shower
• Take paracetamol according to the doze

Normally, the side effects will improve in 2-3 days. If the side effects persist or worsen, approach the nearest health facility for help.

Should COVID-19 survival be vaccinated?

Yes, 3 months after recovery.

Is COVID-19 vaccination mandatory?

No. However, vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly encouraged for eligible individuals.

• Vaccination against COVID-19 has been shown to reduce the risk of severe symptoms and death.
• The vaccine also helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions.
• Vaccination helps efforts to end the pandemic.
• The benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risk of serious side effects from the natural infection of COVID-19.
• Some governments are discussing or already implementing vaccine mandates to access certain locations or services.

What type of vaccine effect my resettlement process?

The vaccination against COVID-19 is for health benefits because the risk of not being vaccinated is very high causing serious illness or death.

Any type of vaccine that is taken has no impact on the resettlement process

If I am already in the resettlement process, do I need to get vaccinated?

Vaccine against COVID-19 does not impact the resettlement process. Currently, there is no requirement from resettlement countries for a specific type of vaccination.

Will I receive a vaccine certificate/card?

Yes, you will receive a COVID-19 Vaccination Card.

Will I get access to registration on the PeduliLindugii Application which is a mandatory show while accessing malls and public transportation?

After receiving your vaccine dose(s), you will receive a COVID-19 Vaccine Card. You will be informed should there is an update on accessing the PeduliLindugii Application.

What kind of illness/disease remains incompatible with the COVID-19 vaccination?

If you have a serious illness, please consult with a doctor at the nearest Puskesmas for advice on COVID-19 vaccination.

Please bring any medical documents should you have concerns about the implications of the COVID-19 Vaccine on your medical conditions.

Do I need to undergo a PCR/SWAB test before vaccination?

No.