A TOTAL of 1,031 minors with comorbidities were given the vaccine against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) on the first day of the pilot implementation of pediatric vaccinations in the country.
The Department of Health (DOH) said majority of the children were vaccinated at the Philippine Heart Center, Makati Medical Center, St. Luke's Medical Center - Global City and Pasig City Children's Hospital.
The Philippine General Hospital earlier said they inoculated 12 minors. Other participating hospitals are National Children's Hospital, Fe Del Mundo Medical Center and Philippine Children's Medical Center.
Children with comorbidities who are 12 to 17 years old are now included in vaccination priority group A3 (persons with comorbidities). They are classified as pediatric A3.
The DOH estimated that there are around 1.2 million children with the following conditions: medical complexity (those with long term dependence on technical support); genetic conditions; neurologic conditions; metabolic/endocrine diseases; cardiovascular diseases; obesity; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; tuberculosis; chronic respiratory diseases; renal disorders; hepatobiliary diseases; and immunocompromised due to diseases or treatment.
The pilot run of pediatric vaccinations is being conducted in hospitals to ensure that the children are monitored by doctors and referrals are immediately facilitated in case of serious adverse events following immunization.
Pediatric vaccinations will be expanded to the regions with 50 percent coverage for priority group A2 (senior citizens).
"Sa ating pagbibigay proteksyon sa mga kabataang ito, atin ring mapoproteksyonan ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Sa ating mga magulang at mga kabataan, kayo ay aming hinihikayat na makilahok sa pagbabakunang ito. Katuwang ng ating mga eksperto, doktor, at mga pediatricians, makakaasa kayong patuloy naming babantayan ang pagbabakunang ito," DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a statement.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines for children 12 to 17 years old. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)