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Purpose: As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread rapidly causing approximately 186 million confirmed cases around the world, the urgency to reach herd immunity through vaccination is increasing. However, vaccine safety is a top priority to limit the occurrence of adverse events. Henceforth, this study aims to recognize and perceive COVID-19 vaccine safety in Indonesia during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study and was conducted in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic using an online survey of demographic information and a qualitative questionnaire. Responses were recorded and the association between demographic characteristics from survey questions was tested using chi-square with a risk estimate and 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of 311 participants from 33 out of 34 provinces in Indonesia participated in this study. Recorded responses showed multiple side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine both shortand long-term experienced by the participants. Significant associations were found between demographic factors and COVID-19 vaccine side effects such as female gender with shortterm puncture site (odds ratio [OR], 0.463; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.263-0.816) and shortterm other reactions (OR, 0.463; 95% CI, 0.263-0.816), domicile outside Java island with longterm puncture site (OR, 4.219; 95% CI, 1.401-12.701) and immune reactions (OR, 3.375; 95% CI, 1.356-8.398), also between married marital status and long-term vagal reaction (OR, 4.655; 95% CI, 1.321-16.409). Conclusion: Gender, domicile and marital status factors were associated with COVID-19 vaccine side effects in Indonesian people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dear Editor, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a pandemic disease, has caused a significant impact on the economic, health, and social aspect. Older patients with COVID-19 infection may present with atypical symptoms of infections. [Extracted from the article]

To control the spread of COVID-19 transmission, Indonesia government has broadcasted information about the pandemic. The aim of this study is to evaluate the understanding of young people, about COVID-19 during the early outbreak in Indonesia. An online-based cross-sectional data collection was conducted from adolescents aged 10 to 25 years, based on 10 questions regarding general COVID-19 information. There were 355 subjects from 25 out of 34 Indonesian provinces who participated in the study, with mean age of 19.93 ± 2.91 years. Better understanding was found in the female and higher-income population. Largely, the subjects got the information from social media, instead of the official government site for COVID-19. Lack of understanding about crucial preventive measures was found, such as handwashing and physical distancing. In conclusion, the participants have an overall moderate-good initial understanding toward COVID-19 during the early outbreak in Indonesia. These results can be used as baseline data for development of awareness measurement tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]