THE pediatric population ages five to 11 will soon be included in the vaccination against Covid-19 in Central Visayas.
This, after the Philippine Pediatric Society and the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) issued a statement that they are supporting the government’s drive to vaccinate the age group.
During her briefing at the Visayas Vaccination Operations Center (VVOC) on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, chief pathologist of the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH 7), said they will start the vaccination for children ages five to 11 as soon as the guidelines are out.
“Maybe by the end of this month or early February, once the guidelines are out, they will be included in the priorities for the vaccination,” she said.
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Loreche, however, said in generalities, the Pfizer vaccine is allowed for them, and two doses with 21 days apart will still be followed.
She also emphasized that the preparation is different as they will not use or inoculate the vials currently used for the adult population.
“We will wait for their preparation which is 10 microgram per dose,” said Loreche.
She said they understand children who are infected of Covid-19 may develop a multi-system inflammatory syndrome, wherein all their major organs such as the heart, kidneys, lungs and skin may be affected.
They also noted that even if children have recovered from the virus, complications may still be felt, hence the need to vaccinate them.
She said children have increased risk particularly if they have comorbidities such as juvenile diabetes and hypertension, and if they have cancer.
Loreche, however, clarified that the panel experts have studied the efficacy of the vaccination for children in other countries, and it is around 90.7 percent.
Meanwhile, Loreche said the pediatric population ages zero to four may be included in the vaccination before the year ends.