The government will start vaccinating children aged five to 11 is set to start on February 4 and will be done simultaneously in selected locations in Metro Manila, Malacañang announced.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the statement following the report that 7.5 million or more than half of the 12.74 million individuals belonging to the 12-17 age group have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19).
In a statement, Nograles said the rollout for the 5-11 age group will initially be done at the following areas:
- Philippine Heart Center
- Philippine Children’s Medical Center
- National Children's Hospital
- Manila Zoo
- SM North EDSA (Skydome)
- Fil Oil Gym in San Juan
According to Nograles, pediatric vaccination is important as the country gears up for the return of in-person classes.
"Mahalaga po ito sa ating paghahanda sa muling pagbabalik ng face-to-face classes o pisikal na balik-eskwela (This is important as we prepare for the resumption of face-to-face classes or physical back-to-school)," he said.
In addition, the acting Palace spokesman said that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines purchased by the government for the vaccination of the 5-11 age group are expected to arrive this week.
"Dahil ito ay reformulated, ito ay sadyang binili upang eksklusibong gamitin para sa pagbabakuna ng mga bata na nasa edad lima hanggang labing-isang taong gulang lamang (Since this is reformulated, we purposely bought these vaccines exclusively for the vaccination of kids ages five to 11 only)," he said.
Nograles, meanwhile, assured parents that the said vaccines which will be used for their kids are safe and effective.
"The doses for minors have been reformulated so that these are appropriate for them. Mas mababa ang dosage na ituturok sa kanila (They will be given smaller doses), " he said.
"Kaya kung available na ang mga ito sa inyong mga lugar, dalhin nyo na po ang inyong mga anak sa vaccination sites at sila’y pabakunahan (So once it becomes available, bring your kids to the vaccination sites and get them vaccinated)," he added.
As of January 30, a total of 126,470,538 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered nationwide with over 58.7 million people being fully vaccinated.