As Indonesia continues to struggle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, China's CoronaVac vaccine is providing some hope. Developed by China's Sinovac Biotech, it's the first coronavirus vaccine in Indonesia.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo and several healthcare and frontline workers became the first people to receive the early doses of the vaccine on January 13, 2021.

Dr Ade Zubaedah of the Indonesia Midwives Association was one of them. As a professional who works in the healthcare industry, Ade has seen firsthand the challenges doctors and nurses face daily in tackling COVID-19.

"Fortunately, I was one of the first people who received the vaccine alongside the president, and thankfully, I have been feeling good. I know it's safe, I don't have any complaints, but I am still following strict health protocols since then," Ade said.

To kick-start Indonesia's mass vaccination program, the government has prepared three million doses of the vaccine. 

People between the ages of 18 to 59 will be the first to receive priority immunization along with doctors, nurses and people working in high-risk areas.

Erlina Burhan, a member of Indonesia's medical association, said the government is aiming to reach herd immunity in just 15 months.

"We aim to vaccinate 70 percent of the population, around 181 million people. For them to reach herd immunity, we believe each person should receive two doses of the vaccine," Erlina said.

Despite the vaccine's rollout, the Indonesian government has also warned the public that it is not a cure. It said those that have received the vaccine will still be monitored very closely.

"I am still working from home because, according to the experts, after the first dose of the vaccine, we have to reduce mobility before receiving the second dose of the vaccine," Ade said.

Indonesia's COVID-19 cases have been hitting new records as of late. The country is seeing an average of 13,000 daily infections, putting its hospitals and clinics under pressure.

"I believe by being vaccinated, I am protecting myself and also my family and communities across Indonesia," Ade said. "This vaccine showed its safety and effectiveness in various clinical trials, so I feel confident about it."