THE Bacolod City Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF) is eyeing to inoculate 90,000 children aged five to 11 years old against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Dr. Chris Sorongon, deputy for medical data and analysis of EOC-TF, said they are only waiting for the advisory and guidelines from the Department of Health (DOH) to roll out the vaccination for this age group in the provinces.
In Manila, it will start in the first week of February.
"After the rollout in Manila, that's the time to start the vaccination of children aged five to 11 years old in the provinces," Sorongon said.
The vaccination will be scheduled in phases, he said, adding that Phase 1 will be the pilot area, Phase 2 is for National Capital Region, and Phase 3 will be the provinces.
Sorongon noted that they already started the master listing of children aged five to 11 years old in preparation for the vaccination and it may reach 90,000 children or more.
"Once we have the advisory and guidelines from the DOH, we will roll out immediately and we are ready. We have the lists from various public and private schools for the vaccination campaign," the official said.
Pfizer vaccines will be utilized for children aged five to 11 years old and it is different from the Pfizer vaccine that is being used for adults which only contain 0.2 ml dose.
"For now, we are also preparing the school's gymnasiums for the vaccination of children five to 11 years old. We need a big space because they will be accompanied by their parents," Sorongon said.
He also asked the cooperation of Bacolodonons to bring their children to the vaccination sites once the vaccine is available since it is also a preparation for the face-to-face classes to ensure their safety against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).