THE Department of Health (DOH) called on children with comorbidities to immediately avail themselves of the Covid-19 immunization, with the pediatric vaccination ongoing in the National Capital Region.
Speaking Friday, October 22, during the launching of phase 2 of Pediatric A3 Covid-19 Vaccination in San Juan City, Health Undersecretary Roger Tong-an said they are hoping that more children aged 12 to 17 years old will have themselves vaccinated.
"We are urging that eligible children and adolescents be registered following your hospital’s mechanisms," said Tong-an.
"As with other vaccines, make sure that the doses are completed on schedule," he added.
The health official assured that they will be closely monitoring potential adverse effects following immunization (AEFI) on pediatric patients.
“The vaccination for children will be closely monitored to detect adverse events following immunization to ensure the safety of our young vaccine recipients,” said Tong-an.
He said getting vaccinated is already imperative for children as the pandemic has led to stunted social growths, lack of physical activities, and adverse mental health effects.
"Getting vaccinated against the virus, not only the adults, but also eligible children, will make a better environment for the kids," said Tong-an.
For phase 2, selected vaccination sites for pediatric patients are the Caloocan City Medical Center (North and South); Ospital ng Malabon; Navotas City Hospital; Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital; Marikina Sports Complex, which is near Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center; Quezon City General Hospital; St. Luke’s Medical Center - Quezon City; Ospital ng Maynila; Ospital ng Makati; SM Megamall Mega Vaccination Site, which is near Mandaluyong City Medical Center; Cardinal Santos Medical Center; Ospital ng Muntinlupa; Ospital ng Parañaque 1; University of Perpetual Help System Dalta; Pasay City General Hospital; and St. Luke’s Medical Center - Bonifacio Global City.
This is in addition to the eight initial list of hospitals tapped for phase 1, namely, National Children's Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Pasig City Children's Hospital, Fe Del Mundo Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital, Makati Medical Center, St. Luke's Medical Center, and Philippine Children's Medical Center.
As of October 21, the DOH said there have been 5,781 pediatric vaccinees.
The Pediatric A3 Covid-19 Vaccination program aims to inoculate an estimated 144,000 minors with comorbidites in Metro Manila. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)