MORE than 40,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 have received the first dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.
DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said during a media forum that a total of 40,419 minors with comorbidities have received their first jab since the government started the inoculation for the said age group on October 15.
She said it represents 3.18 percent of the target population of 1.2 million minors with comorbidities.
On Wednesday, November 3, the government expanded the pediatric vaccination of individuals aged 12 to 17 nationwide.
National Task Force Against Covid-19 Chief Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government targets to inoculate 12.7 million children in the country.
He said they are aiming to inoculate 80 percent of the 12.7 million minors before the end of 2021.
Meanwhile, Cabotaje said the DOH is eyeing to expand its Covid-19 vaccination for children under 12 years old in 2022.
"We have considered that for our plans of next year's vaccination of below 12 years old. Kailangan may Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) recommendation tapos ano 'yung bakuna na bibilhin na pwede sa below 11 years old," she said.
“Napag-uusapan na 'yan at nilagay na ng ating planners ng programa for next year,” she added.
The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention earlier approved the vaccination of kids aged five to 11 with Pfizer doses.
The Food and Drug Administration earlier approved the use of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for children. (SunStar Philippines)