These influencers on social media really know how to get their chance.
Popular Instagram users in Indonesia were one of the first to get the coronavirus vaccine in the country last week – but the attempt seems to be backfire when one celeb was spotted partying hours after being injected.
President Joko Widodo kicked off the country’s vaccination campaign on Wednesday with the help of local TV personality Raffi Ahmad, who boasts nearly 50 million followers on the app.
“Do not be afraid of vaccines,” the 33-year-old celebrity posted with a video.
Hours later, photos showed Raffi partying without a mask and making protocols about social distance, against the advice of experts, as the vaccine does not provide immediate immunity.
A senior health official told Reuters that “when you are vaccinated, you should still adhere to the health protocols and not be careful to apply them. ‘
After shouting about the photos, the social media star offered a public apology. Police said they are investigating whether he violated the law.
However, the health ministry official said the decision to include influencers with health workers in the first round of vaccinations was part of a deliberate communication strategy.
Ahyani Raksanagara, head of the city’s bandung’s health agency, said the celebrities would “hopefully convey positive influences and messages” about vaccines, especially to young people.
A poll last month showed that only 37% of Indonesians are willing to be vaccinated.
Other influencers to get the chance last week were the popular local musicians Risa Saraswati and Ariel, from the group Noah.
But Zubairi Djoerban, of the Indonesian Medical Association, said the strategy of appointing influencers can only work if they are ‘informed about vaccine and COVID-19 so they can be change agents’.
With Post threads