Vaccination rollout for 5-11 kids postponed over delay of Pfizer doses arrival in PH
The scheduled rollout of vaccination for children aged 5-11 was moved on Monday, Feb. 7 following the delay of the arrival of the special doses for kids made by Pfizer.
The vaccination rollout was originally scheduled on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 4 and 5, in at least 21 hospitals and medical facilities in Metro Manila.
"The rollout for vaccinating children aged 5-11 years old will be postponed for a few days due to logistical challenges. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-approved Pfizer vaccines will be arriving on the evening of Friday, February 4, 2022," the National Task Force Against COVID-19 said in a statement.
Supposedly, a total of 750,000 doses of Pfizer would arrive at around 9 p.m. on Thursday night, Feb. 3, but the delivery was moved on Friday night, according to the NTF Against COVID-19.
As such, the NTF Against COVID-19 said it would be advisable that the vaccination rollout would be moved ensure adequate preparation and distribution of the vaccines.
The FDA earlier approved the request of Pfizer for the emergency use of its special doses for children aged 5 to 11.
NTF Against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said they have been working to inoculate as many children for added protection amid the continuing threat of the deadly virus.
"The National Vaccination Operations Center of the NTF Against COVID-19 remains committed to ensure that all Filipinos, including the children, get vaccinated," the statement read.