The Philippines is eyeing to include children aged 5 to 11 in its coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination program by next year, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said.
“We have considered that in our plans for next year’s vaccination of below 12 years old,” said DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje in a press briefing on Wednesday, Nov. 3.
“Kailangan may Health Technology Assessment Council recommendation tapos ano yung bakuna na bibilhin na pwede sa below 11 years old (There needs to be a Health Technology Assessment Council recommendation and then we need to identify what vaccine to buy that can be used for those below 11 years old),” she added.
To note, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already recommended vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 against COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Cabotaje also encouraged Filipino families to get vaccinated since the country’s vaccination program is already open for 12 years old and above.
“We have already allowed the opening of the rest of the adult population. So whole families can start getting vaccinated,” she said.
"We are hoping that with the opening up of our pediatric age group, maengganyo na rin ang ating mga lolo, mga lola (our grandparents will also be encouraged),” she added.
However, vaccination sites should still have priority lanes for senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals.
“If the whole family is vaccinated, then they are protected,” said Cabotaje.
As of Nov. 2, a total of 60,406,424 vaccine doses were already administered, said Cabotaje. Of the said figure, 32,656,615 were given as first doses and 27,749,809 as second shots.