WITH more schools expected to be part of the return of face-to-face classes, the Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday, January 29, 2022, urged parents and guardians to have their children aged 5 to 11 years old vaccinated against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
In a televised public briefing, Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said it is advisable for parents to have their children aged 5 to 11 years old to get jabbed in order have them better prepared with the resumption of physical classes.
"In a few weeks, in some areas, there will already be face-to-face classes. Our children have long been wanting to go out, be in physical classes, and be with their classmates," said Cabotaje.
"Therefore, we need to have them vaccinated so that they can have that mantle of protection in schools," she added.
The health official also noted how jabbing those aged 5 to 11 years old is needed to provide additional protection at home.
"It is for the cocoon protection for the whole family, especially for the benefit of those unvaccinated or those aged below 5 years. This age group will also provide another layer of protection for the whole family," she explained.
Finally, she said getting vaccinated against Covid-19 will further bring down the risk of children needing hospitalization when infected by the virus.
"While most Covid-19 cases among children are mild, this will still give them protection against severe disease and death," said Cabotaje.
Beginning February 4, the national government is set to start rolling out Covid-19 vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 in the National Capital Region (NCR) before gradually expanding to other regions.
A total of 15.5 million children in the said age group are targeted for inoculation against Covid-19.
And while preregistration is not required, Cabotaje said they have already recorded 168,355 children from different Metro Manila local government units.
Cabotaje said the vaccine rollout will be made available to all kids aged 5 to 11 years old, both with and without comorbidities. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)