THE nationwide rollout of COVID-19 vaccination for individuals aged 12-17 will start on November 3, the Department of Health (DOH) said today.
The DOH will undertake the activity together with the Vaccine Cluster.
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data said there are around 12.7 million children aged 12 to 17 in 2021. As of October 26, 18,666 minors with comorbidities received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose during the initial phase of the pediatric vaccination in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will still be used among children during the nationwide rollout. Further details and the guidelines with regard to the nationwide expansion of pediatric vaccination will be released once finalized,” said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
Meanwhile, the DOH continues to urge the adult population, especially those belonging to priority groups A2 and A3, to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to achieve the cocoon effect which protects the children at home. The DOH emphasized that getting vaccinated will not only protect the person itself but also those around, along with the strict and religious adherence to minimum public health standards (MPHS) and other preventive measures implemented.