socialexpat-health-ministry-smallpox-vaccine-can-prevent-monkeypox-cover

Health Ministry: Smallpox Vaccine Can Prevent Monkeypox

Share:

July 27, 2022 – Indonesia Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the smallpox vaccine can provide protection from monkeypox. It’s because monkeypox is the same type as smallpox.

Budi then clarified that people who have the smallpox vaccine have antibodies against smallpox for the rest of their life.

“This [monkeypox] is in the same genus or type as smallpox. I’ve been told by professionals that if we had smallpox vaccine before if I’m not mistaken until those who were born in the 1970s, basically who was born around that time like me, elderly, we have the immunity,” said Budi in Raffles Hotel Jakarta on Tuesday (22/7).

Furthermore, he added that smallpox is different from Covid-19, which needs to take a new vaccine every six months. Smallpox vaccination is for life thus, those who have been vaccinated are actually relatively protected.

Budi also clarified that the spread of monkeypox is different from Covid-19. As it is known, Covid-19 can be transmitted before the patient has any symptoms, it can even be transmitted by patients without symptoms (OTG) too. On the other hand, monkeypox can only spread once the patient has shown symptoms of it.

WHO has officially announced monkeypox as a global emergency after it has spread over 75 countries. WHO Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has noted down that there are more than 16 thousand monkeypox cases reported by 75 countries. So far, there have been five deaths due to monkeypox.

Monkeypox Symptoms

One of the characteristics that differentiate monkeypox from other smallpox is the development of swollen lymph nodes. It usually appears in 7 to 14 days, but also can happen between 5 to 21 days after being infected.

Some of the symptoms of monkeypox are fever, headache, muscle strain, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.

After the patient has a fever for 1 to 3 days, the rash will start showing up. Usually, it starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body.

Content Writer

An escapist yet realistic, Yohana tends to keep her feet on the ground and head above the clouds. A culture enthusiast with impulsive tendencies when it comes to knowledge and food. She starts her writing journey during high school as a hobby at first, before it grows into passion and love.

Related News

In an effort to promote compliance and awareness among Bali’s growing expatriate community, LMI Consultancy is collaborating with Social Expat to host an exclusive workshop titled “Living and Thriving in Bali – A Practical Guide for Expatriates.” The event will take place on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, at Jaba Lounge, Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta Sunset […]

The world’s top business leaders, investors, and policymakers have arrived in Indonesia’s capital as the 23rd Forbes Global CEO Conference officially opens in Jakarta, marking the country’s debut as host of one of the world’s most influential corporate gatherings. The two-day event, running from 14–15 October 2025, brings together over 380 global executives, entrepreneurs, and […]

On 24 September 2025, global media outlet Time Out released its new list, showcasing the 30 areas around the world that best represent culture, creativity and community. The word “coolest” here encompasses not only style but also the vibe. Neighbourhoods full of art, music, food, and independent businesses. These are places where people want to […]

The Israeli Gymnastics Federation has filed a lawsuit against the Indonesian government after its athletes were banned from competing in the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta. The decision followed Indonesia’s refusal to issue visas for the Israeli team. Indonesia Revokes Israeli Athletes’ Visas Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung voiced his opposition to Israeli participation, […]

Indonesia Guide

Just For Fun

Write For Us

Exclusive Promotions

Event Gallery