DOH eyes 2022 vaccination rollout for children under 12

MANILA – A health official on Wednesday said the government is considering the expansion of pediatric vaccination among under 12 years old by next year.

“We are considering, actually we have considered that in our plans for vaccination of below 12 years old,” Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said during an online media forum.

She, however, said the vaccination processes in the country always require the recommendation of the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC).

“Tapos yung bakuna na kailangan bilhin na pwede sa below 12 years old, but napag-uusapan na yan at nilagay na ng planners ng ating programa for next year (Then, the vaccines suitable for below 12 years old that must be procured, but that’s being discussed, and our program planners are lining them up for next year),” she said.

On Oct. 15, the government started the vaccination of children aged 12 to 17 years old with comorbidities.

As of Nov. 2, a total of 40,419 minors with comorbidities have received their life-saving shots.

The nationwide vaccination for the rest of the pediatric population aged 12 to 17 formally started on Wednesday.

It has a target population of 12,722,070, of which about 1,272,207 have comorbidities.

Over 8K minor registrants in San Juan

In San Juan City, Mayor Francis Zamora said over 8,000 children aged 12 to 17 years old were registered to the city government’s vaccination drive.

He said some 6,000 registrants are bonafide residents of San Juan and over 2,000 non-resident minors who are currently enrolled in different schools located in the city.

Zamora said they are targeting to finish the first shots of the total minor residents “by end of next week.”

“We will commence the vaccination of other 2,000 minors right after we finish our 6,000 residents,” Zamora said.

Citing the need to protect the young population against the dreaded disease, Zamora said the pediatric vaccination is part of the local government’s preparations to secure a safe opening of face-to-face classes anytime soon.

“We are willing to vaccinate children that are studying here,” he added.

Parents and guardians of those minors with comorbidities were advised to bring their children’s medical certificates.

“We don’t want to vaccinate those children without knowing that they have comorbidities. So we have to seek and check their medical certificate for assessment,” Zamora said.

The city’s San Juan Medical Center is offering free medical consultation and issuance of medical certificates for young residents.

“We are making it as easy as possible for everyone so that minors will get vaccinated,” he said.

Those who wish to avail of the free consultation program should proceed to the online booking system via https://bit.ly/3BI9PZv for check-up appointments.

Walk-in hospital appointments are strictly prohibited. Parents and guardians should accompany the children during the consultation schedule. (with reports from Lade Jean Kabagani/PNA)