The Marikina City government started the vaccination drive for children aged five to 11 at the Marikina City Sports Center on Wednesday, Feb. 9.
More than 500 children were expected to receive their vaccinations on Wednesday.
The program started at 8 a.m., but children and their parents or guardians were already lined up outside the venue at around 7 a.m.
The facility was adorned with an assortment of colored streamers, a walk-way of balloons and dinosaur statues at the entrance, as well as bundles of balloons scattered on the columns and the ceiling of the vaccination area, and on the wall of the photobooth.
The site set-up included cardboard cutout standees of different cartoon characters like Buster Moon, Gunter, and Darius from the animated movie “Sing 2.”
Life-sized statues of animated characters like Anna from Frozen and Snow White were placed at the photo booth where the children may have their photos taken as souvenirs.
The vaccination staff and volunteers said that as the assessment area, children are given balloons and toys in order to ease their fears during the screening process.
The children were given rewards such as candies and chocolates once they have completed their vaccination.
The pediatric vaccination for children aged five to 11 is limited to residents of Marikina City.
Vaccinations are based on appointment, and only individuals who have registered online will be accommodated on their respective vaccination schedules. Walk-ins are not yet allowed.
On Monday, Feb. 7, the city government opened the online registration for children aged five to 11 for COVID-19 vaccination. The online registration may be accomplished at https://covid19.marikina.gov.ph/vaccine/pedia/home.
On Friday, Feb. 4, Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro said the city aims to vaccinate 60, 691 children in the five to 11 age group within 60 days, with a target number of 1,000 to 1,500 children per day.
Teodoro also said the city plans to utilize schools as vaccination venues. (Khriscielle Yalao)