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Expert stresses importance of COVID shots for kids

Philippines | National

Expert stresses importance of COVID shots for kids

By Gabriela Baron

An infectious disease expert stresses on Tuesday, Feb. 1, the importance of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) shots for kids aged five to 11.

(NOEL PABALATE / MANILA BULLETIN)

During the Laging Handa briefing, Dr. Timmy Gimenez, chairman for vaccination of the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS), underscored that COVID-19 vaccines will "provide another layer of protection for children."

"Ang reason kaya po tayo nagbibigay ng bakuna sa mga bata kasi pwede rin silang maapektuhan at isa pong layer of protection ang vaccination in general against the virus," Gimenez said.

"Hindi lang po COVID, kung di other vaccines, we also have to remember that benefits will always outweigh the risks," she added.

Meanwhile, Gimenez said kids who will experience side effects after vaccination should rest, hydrate, and take paracetamol if experiencing fever.

The Philippine government is set to vaccinate minors aged 5 to 11 beginning Feb. 4.

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines will be used for the pediatric vaccination as this was the only vaccine brand that received emergency use approval from the Food and Drugs Administration for 5 to 11 years old.

Related Tags

Philippine Pediatric Society covid-19 vaccine

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