A TOTAL of 5,781 minors have received their first dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Friday, October 22.

Galvez said this includes minors ages 15 to 17 with comorbidities.

The National Government started the pilot implementation of the vaccination of children on October 15 initially in eight hospitals in Metro Manila.

Galvez said 13 more hospitals will hold vaccination for children.

“Gusto naming bigyan diin ang importansya ng pagbabakuna sa mga kabataan. Ito ang magbibigay daan upang makabalik sila sa mga eskwelehan at mas mabilis na mabuksan ang ating ekonomiya,” Galvez said.

The National Government is prioritizing at least 1.2 million minors, ages 12 to 17, with comorbidities.

Among the comorbidities listed by the Department of Health were medical complexity; genetic, neurologic and metabolic or endocrine conditions; cardiovascular disease; obesity; HIV infection; tuberculosis; chronic respiratory disease; renal disorders; and hepatobiliary diseases.

Parents or guardians will have to register their children through their local government units. They should also secure a medical clearance from their doctors.

As of October 22, Galvez said a total of 53,838,248 vaccine doses have been administered to the target adult population nationwide.

Of this number, 24,876,889 individuals have been fully vaccinated while 28,961,359 received the first dose. (SunStar Philippines)