After being infected by COVID-19 in early May 2021, Febi, 17, one of six high school students in South Jakarta, admitted that she always complies with health protocols to herself. She could not even wait for her turn to be vaccinated once confirmed negative from COVID-19.
“We never know if we are healthy or immune enough. However, when we are vaccinated, at least if we are exposed to the virus again, the vaccine keeps us from getting seriously ill. Therefore, we don’t need to be panic and be afraid anymore,” said Febi, who admitted to receiving information and knowledge about the virus through social media.
Febi stated that even health protocol is not enough to prevent COVID-19 exposure. It had happened to her and her aunt. Therefore getting COVID-19 vaccines will provide additional immunity to the body that can reduce the worst risks of the virus.
“My family and I always comply with COVID-19 health protocols. I believe we were a little bit reckless when we got contracted with it,” she revealed.
Febi and her aunt were tested positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of May 2021. She was experiencing common symptoms like fever and coughing. She also lost her sense of smell. Consequently, she had to be separated from her healthy family members and lived in a single room by herself.
Febi was one of the students exposed to COVID-19 and received COVID-19 response assistance from Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (Plan Indonesia). She received a personal hygiene kit, COVID-19 protection equipment and a Menstruation Hygiene Management kit.
Febi was happy to receive the mhm kit as she no longer needs to buy some. On the other hand, she could save some money from that monthly budget.
“For sure, this assistance is important. Not many organizations provide assistance that focuses on the needs of adolescent girls. Thank you, Plan Indonesia,” she added.
In responding to this situation, Plan Indonesia carried out the COVID-19 emergency response in Greater Jakarta Area, focusing on the needs of the children, especially girls and young women. The focus of this humanitarian assistance is to help 1,000 children aged 0-18 years old (500 girls, 500 boys) and 500 families in the Greater Jakarta Area. The emergency response further aims to protect children from the COVID-19 infection and ensure rights for girls, children with disabilities, and children from low-income families. (***)
Drafted by Musfarayani | Edited by Intan Cinditiara
