RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has expanded access to measles vaccination to include adults, as the country responds to a surge in cases across multiple regions in early 2026. The decision was announced by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Authorities reported that as of week 11 of 2026, Indonesia recorded 58 measles outbreaks across 39 districts and cities in 14 provinces, with total cases reaching 2,740. While the situation has since improved, the expansion is seen as a preventive measure to curb further transmission.

“We are issuing an additional authorization for an existing vaccine, expanding its use not only for children but also for adults,” the Head of BPOM Taruna Ikrar said during the press conference.

Measles vaccination in Indonesia has traditionally been administered as part of the national immunization program for children. It is often in combination vaccines such as measles-rubella (MR) and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR).

However, recent epidemiological trends revealed that infections are no longer limited to children, prompting regulators to broaden protection to at-risk adult populations. The policy is expected to accelerate vaccine access and strengthen outbreak control measures, particularly in regions that have experienced repeated clusters of infection.

“This decision was made as a strategic step to strengthen Indonesia’s health resilience,” Taruna said on the same occasion. The measles vaccine use for adults had been officially authorized as of April 7, 2026.