Several local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR) have started their pre-registration for the COVID-19 vaccination of minors.
The Metro Manila cities and municipalities that have begun pre-registration are Caloocan, Manila, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Taguig, Makati, Las Piῆas, and Pateros.
The Department of Health (DOH) said there is still no recommendation from its expert panel whether to allow Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines on 12 to 17 years-old individuals.
The two American manufacturers have already received emergency use authorization (EUA) for their products to be used on the younger age group.
“Sa ngayon, pinag-aaralan pa ring maigi ng ating mga experts, and foremost para sa ating mga experts would be the safety and equity component of this,” DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a briefing today (Sept. 20).
Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said the task force is preparing for the vaccination of the age group pending the arrival of more vaccines. The DOH said the task force has to wait for the experts panel recommendation.
Children rights group Save the Children Philippines has welcomed the development to expand the vaccination coverage. The group is also hoping that more children are given access to basic immunization to protect them from vaccine-preventable diseases. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio/AG-rir
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