DAVAO CITY — Children aged 12-17 years old can now get COVID-19 vaccinations in Davao Oriental provinces through the Provincial Health Office starting Tuesday, November 2, 2021.
According to the Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Davao Oriental, "the vaccination sites for those children with comorbidities will be at the hospitals in their Local Government Units while those children who are healthy and with no comorbidity can directly go to the designated vaccination sites in their respective areas like their Rural Health Centers."
Last Friday, Oct. 29, Davao region rolled out the vaccination for Pediatric A3 or children aged 12-17 years old with comorbidities at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
Department of Health (DOH) Davao Regional Director Annabelle Yumang said they are targeting to vaccinate 620,216 children aged 12-17 years old in Davao Region.
"Dinhi sa Region 11 duna tay 620,216 nga atoang giexpect nga mabakunahan. Sa karon giuna nato ang mga kabataan nga dunay comorbidities (Here in Region 11, we expect to vaccinate 620,216 children. As of now, we are prioritizing young people with comorbidities)," Yumang said during her speech at the ceremony held here on Friday.
Yumang added that they hope to finish the vaccination for the 12 to 17 years old by December this year.
The PHO also reminded the parents and guardians of the children that they must accompany the minor and bring with them a valid ID.
"The pediatric vaccine recipients are also required to bring a valid ID (school IDs)," it added.
Children with comorbidities are also required to bring medical certificate from their doctor which provides details on their comorbidity.
"A medical certificate must be secured first prior to vaccination at their respective sites," the PHO said.
DOH Asst. Sec. Dr. Roy Ferrer, who was present during Friday's ceremony, encouraged parents and guardians to have their children and themselves vaccinated.
"To vaccinate is to protect, as we pursue to protect our children, we are protecting our loved ones. To our dear parents and guardians, I highly encourage you to get your children and yourselves vaccinated," Ferrer said.