Vaccination of children possible in 4th quarter of 2021: IATF

ACCORDING TO VACCINE CZAR SECRETARY CARLITO GALVEZ JR, the IATF is already studying the vaccination of children against COVID-19.

At the Senate hearing on Tuesday, Galvez said that if there is a vaccine available for children, they can start in the 4th quarter of the year.

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“Sabi po ng mga expert natin, basta available na po ‘yung vaccine … pwede na po tayong magkaroon ng pagbabakuna, most likely mga 4th quarter na po,” said Galvez.

Three vaccines are being studied for minors – the COVID -19 shots by Pfizer, Moderna, and Sinovac.

According to Galvez, Pfizer can be used by 12 to 15-year-olds, while Moderna can be used by 12 to 17-year-olds. In Sinovac, 3-year-olds and older are considered for vaccination.

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The IATF has also discussed the possibility of allowing face-to-face classes once most teachers, students, and school personnel have been vaccinated.

“Talagang kailangang kailangan natin magbukas ng mga school,” ani Galvez.

It may be recalled that the official said that 60 million additional vaccines are needed to vaccinate minors in the country.

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Vaccination of children possible in 4th quarter of 2021: IATF

Early this month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the emergency use of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 for a wider range of minors and children.

This was confirmed by the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday with the issuance of a revised emergency use authorization () of the drug.

The FDA document dated May 28, 2021, states the following:

“After due consideration, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hereby revises the EUA granted to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to reflect requested change in the indication,” said FDA.

“The Pfizer- BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine shall be administered only by vaccination providers, and used only to prevent COVID-19 in individuals ages 12 and older.”

Even if Pfizer is available to 12-15-year-olds, Health Secretary Francisco  III said in a report on Inquirer.net that they can only be vaccinated now if they have comorbidities and belongs in the government’s A3 prioritization. He said that there is still a lack of supply of vaccines today.

Before this, only 16-year-olds and older were allowed to receive the vaccine.

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