TACLOBAN CITY - To strengthen community protection and vaccinate the region’s total population against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Department of Health Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH EVCHD) aims to vaccinate a total of 735,631 children, with ages 5 to 11.
Dr. Exuperia B. Sabalberino, Regional Director of the DOH EVCHD, stressed the importance of pushing for all children, 5-11 years old, to get immunized against the virus.
"We need to protect these children because they are the future of our country," she said.
She added that children with comorbidities need to be equally protected.
"Following the initial implementation of the rollout in pilot areas of the country, it is critical and urgent to have these children vaccinated against COVID-19."
Based on recent data, 69 percent of those who were infected in the latest Omicron variant surge in the region were children 0-11 years old.
Although COVID-19 is less severe in children than in adults, she said that it could still result in hospitalization. Giving them an additional layer of protection will help prevent the situation from worsening.
“We enjoin everyone to support and cooperate and join hands as we all together do the immunization for all children 5-11 years old in the region,” Sabalberino said.
The DOH, through the Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Operations Center, commenced its implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5-11 on Feb. 14 at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center.
Provinces and local government units have also manifested their support for the vaccination roll-out.
Child-friendly vaccination venues decorated with colorful balloons where children receive snacks and goodies after getting vaccinated are some of the strategies of the health care workers and local government units to give the kids a fun experience while getting the protection that they need.