National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 Chief Implementer and vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. said they are aiming to start the COVID-19 vaccination of ages 12 to 17 years old in September or October.
Sec. Galvez said on Sunday (Aug. 8) they have recommended it to the interim National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) and have presented it to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
He explained that the recommendation was made due to the vulnerability of children to the virus especially those who have comorbidities. Galvez pointed out the COVID-19 cases in the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) where some children are admitted while several are in critical condition due to their comorbidities.
“Hindi pa sila ganun kalakas ang kanilang mga resistensya in terms of pulmonary diseases.”
In relation to this, Pfizer is the only vaccine with an approved emergency use authorization (EUA) for children aged 12 to 15 years old while Sinovac is still applying for an EUA for kids aged 3 to 17 years old.
Meanwhile, Galvez assured the public that there is enough vaccine supply in Metro Manila during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
(PTV News)/NGS-rir
