The Philippines on Monday (Feb. 7) began administering COVID-19 vaccines to children aged five to 11 years old as it expands its vaccination program to younger age groups.
Based on Department of Health (DOH) reports, more than 170,000 individuals have already pre-registered for the younger age group’s vaccination in Metro Manila.
The ceremonial vaccination of 85 minors using reformulated Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) was led by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Dr. Sonia Gonzales, PCMC executive director, said pediatricians of the hospital are able to answer queries regarding the vaccination of children.
“Mayroon tayong informed consent na nagpapahiwatig na sila ay napayuhan, napaliwanagan, at alam ng mga magulang at ng bata kung ano ang kanilang tatanggapin,” Gonzales said.
The DOH has allocated PCMC around 1,900 doses of the vaccine, that is why walk-in vaccination is not yet encouraged.
Duque reiterated that COVID-19 vaccines are beneficial among children and can support the safe resumption of face-to-face classes.
“Kapag nabalitaan na nila na ang kanilang kapitbahay, ang kanilang mga kamag-anak ay nagpabakuna na, palagay ko eh mahihikayat na rin sila, at sana sa wakas ay mawala na ang kanilang mga duda,” he said.
The official said he will also ask for the removal of a department memorandum’s provision allowing the Department of Social Welfare and Development to issue consent if the willing child’s parents are not keen on getting their children inoculated.
This followed the filing of a petition by several parents before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court against the vaccination of 5- to 11-year-olds.
“Unang-una, ang parental consent hindi mo puwedeng i-replace. Ire-replace mo under extraordinary circumstances kung wala ‘yung magulang, wala ‘yung guardian, then only then can the state represent the interest of the child,” he said.
The government aims to inoculate more than 15 million children aged five to 11 years old. – Report from Mark Fetalco/AG
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