BIÑAN CITY, Laguna – The city government launched its third pediatric vaccination site for kids aged 5–11 years at Splash Island on Wednesday (Feb. 23).
During the opening ceremony, the local government unit (LGU) announced a surprise treat for kids who will complete their first and second Pfizer jabs at the newly-launched site – a year's worth of free admission to the water park.
Splash Island Waterpark President Sonny Torres said he wants to offer recreation to kids who had no choice but to stay at home for almost two years because of the coronavirus disease pandemic.
"Parang therapy sa mga bata ito. Nakakaawa rin 'yung mga bata, matagal nakakulong (This is like therapy for kids. It's sad that they've been confined at home for so long)," Torres told the Manila Bulletin.
The water park adjusted its amenities to conform to minimum health protocols and added a glamping site to provide more open-air features.
Danny Joson, a seaman who accompanied his six-year-old granddaughter to the vaccination site, said he is looking forward to more family bonding moments once his grandchild is fully-protected against the virus.
"Gustong-gusto ko talagang ma-vaccinate na ang bata para mai-gala na rin namin (I really want the child to be vaccinated so that we can take her out)," Joson told the Manila Bulletin.
Parents' 'wait-and-see' approach to pediatric vaccine
Mayor Arman Dimaguila says some parents have a "wait-and-see" approach to pediatric vaccination.
"Tinitingnan nila, 'Sige, hayaan mo na muna ang iba na magpabakuna, hintayin natin' (They want to observe first, 'let others get vaccinated, let's wait and see')," Dimaguila said during the press conference.
Dimaguila said the LGU has yet to inoculate 5,000 kids as of Feb. 23, as pediatric vaccination involves a more tedious process compared to adult vaccination.
"Nag-test kami, ang isang bata, almost 15 minutes bago matapos. Wala pa doon 'yung tantrums ng bata (We tested and found that one child takes about 15 minutes to get vaccinated. That doesn't include kids' tantrums)," Dimaguila said.
The LGU targets to inoculate 5,000 children every week in its three pediatric vaccination centers, which include the vaccination sites in the Historic Alberto Mansion and Southwoods Mall, both launched on Feb. 18.