Mass vaccination against COVID-19 of minors began this Tuesday in some areas in Metro Manila and Iloilo City.
One day earlier than November 3, the start of the comprehensive COVID-19 vaccination of minors, set by the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC).
According to Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, head of the NVOC, it is up to the local government unit to change the vaccination strategy for minors as long as it follows its gradual expansion.
Before this, only those aged 12 to 17 with comorbidity were vaccinated against respiratory illness.
According to Mayor Toby Tiangco, in Navotas, vaccination has already begun in the general pediatric population at Navotas City Hospital.
Navotas City Health Officer Dr. Christia Padolina earlier extended the vaccination of minors because of the low number of those who registered with comorbidity.
“Para hindi naman sayang ‘yong venue, ‘yong ating doktor na andito, saka ‘yong pinaka-vaccination site, minabuti namin na yesterday, in-open na namin… sa rest of pediatric population,” said Padolina.
Starting Wednesday, three vaccination sites will be designated for all minors, even without comorbidity.
Up to 900 can be accommodated or 300 per vaccination site.
She said the vaccine recipients could choose the vaccination site and schedule but walk-in is prohibited.
She said that parents who have not been inoculated can also get vaccinated at the same time.
Extensive vaccination of the pediatric population in Taguig City has also begun.
Some LGUs begin vaccinations of minors
The vaccination was carried out at Lakeshore Hall in Lower Bicutan, with a target of 500 vaccinations. By noon, up to 300 minors had been vaccinated.
Apart from the residents, the vaccination is also open to those not from Taguig but who are studying in the city.
You only need to upload an ID or document stating the age and address of the school.
The vaccination of minors in Iloilo City was also underway, which also kicked off this Tuesday.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas is thankful for the excellent response of the residents to the vaccination of the children.
He also said the vaccination queue is open for students in the city even if they are not residents.
The Philippines targets to vaccinate 77 million people to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.