ALL is set for the phase 2 of the pediatric vaccination in the National Capital Region (NCR), said the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) on Wednesday, October 20, 2021.
Dr. Kezia Rosario of the NVOC said the phase 2 will start on Friday, October 22, and run until October 31 in at least 23 hospitals and local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila.
She said they target to inoculate around 144,000 children ages 12 to 17 years old, especially those with comorbidities.
"Tayo ay nakahanda na po sa Phase 2. Iyong vaccine supply na ibibigay sa kanila will either be Moderna or Pfizer. Mayroong enough supply tayo for them,” she said.
She said the phase 1 of the rollout, which started last October 15, was successful, stressing there was no problem encountered although they received reports about four children who experienced adverse effects during the vaccination.
“For the phase 1, since they are already patients of hospitals, smooth sailing... No problem so far,” Rosario said in a Laging Handa public briefing Wednesday.
She said one of the four children had allergic reaction during the vaccination, while the three others were considered mild cases. They were given immediate assistance, said Rosario.
“Sa ngayon, may isa tayong serious and the rest are mild lang naman (na adverse effects). Iyong isa, iyong severe case natin ay mayroong allergic reaction siya. They rest ay related lang sa pagbabakuna na na-stress lang po sila during the vaccination. Nothing serious naman,” she said.
Rosario added that as of Wednesday, October 20, experts are still conducting assessment to see whether the adverse effects were related to the vaccine or not.
She also assured that prior to the vaccination, the hospitals had briefed the parents or guardians on documents they need to submit and sign.
The same preparation, she added, has been done for the phase 2.
“Each LGU of NCR has already prepared their vaccination site...We have several LGUs, due to limitations of hospitals, who have negotiated with us to use nearby facilities for the vaccination to ensure that we can still give the quality service. In case may mangyari, we can respond accordingly,” Rosario said.
She clarified that some hospitals have started the vaccination of children ages 15 to 17 years old, but they expanded already to cover those 12 to 14 years old.
As to the vaccination of the general population, or those 18 years old and above, Rosario said this has been ongoing nationwide, adding that in Metro Manila, the vaccination sites have been administering about 70,000 to 90,000 doses in a daily basis.
She encouraged those who have not received their first dose yet to go to vaccination sites of their respective LGUs, stressing that the country has enough supply of Covid-19 vaccines.
“Punta na tayo agad sa mga vaccination sites of LGUs... There is enough supply, and we want to ensure that the vaccines will be used,” Rosario said.
Parents or guardians who want to have their children vaccinated against Covid-19 need to coordinate with their respective LGUs for the pediatric vaccination. Required are the child’s medical certificate, valid ID, and clearance of vaccination. (Laureen Mondoñedo-Ynot/SunStar Philippines)