These social media influencers really know how to get there.
Popular Instagram users in Indonesia were among the first to receive the coronavirus vaccine in the country last week, but the effort seemed to backfire when a celebrity was spotted partying hours after the injection.
President Joko Widodo kicked off the country’s vaccination drive on Wednesday with the help of local TV personality Raffi Ahmad, who has almost 50 million followers on the app.
“Don’t be afraid of vaccines,” the 33-year-old celebrity posted along with a video in which he took the photo.
Hours later, photos showed Raffi partying without a mask and disregarding social distance protocols – against expert advice, as the vaccine does not provide immediate immunity.
A senior health department official noted to Reuters that “when you are vaccinated, you should still adhere to health protocols and not be careless in enforcing them.”
After outrage over the photos, the social media star issued a public apology. Police said they are investigating whether he has broken the law.
Still, the health ministry official said the decision to include influencers along with health professionals in the first round of vaccinations was part of a deliberate communication strategy.
Ahyani Raksanagara, who heads the Bandung City Health Agency, said the celebs would “hopefully convey positive influence and messages” about vaccines, especially to young people.
A poll last month found that only 37% of Indonesians said they were willing to get vaccinated.
Other influencers who got the chance last week included popular local musicians Risa Saraswati and Ariel, from the band Noah.
But Zubairi Djoerban, of the Indonesian Medical Association, said the strategy of hiring influencers could only work if they are “educated about vaccine and COVID-19 so they can bring about change.”
With pole wires