THE Philippine government is studying the possibility of inoculating the younger population in the age cluster of 12 to 17 by mid-October, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. announced.
Galvez, who is also the National Task Force against COVID-19 Chief Implementer, has proposed the plan as the country secures “steadier” supply of vaccines against COVID-19.
According to the vaccine czar, there will be 20 million doses in addition to the 23.75 million doses in the country’s supply inventory which—as he claimed—are enough to administer to 12 million minors.
The Philippines has so far received a total of more than 65 million COVID-19 vaccine doses since February 2021.
Around 53 million doses of these supplies have been distributed to different implementing units where over 42 million jabs have been given to individuals in the vaccination priority list across the country.
“With our daily average rate, we are now experiencing a saturation point for the National Capital Region (NCR) and other cities. Meaning, nagmi-meet na po ‘yung demand at saka ‘yung supply. At kailangan na po nating mag-open ng other sectors,” Galvez said.
The Philippines has hit the average vaccination rate of 400,000 shots per day—a clear indication that the country is capable enough to also accommodate minors.
Galvez further underscored that the country’s target vaccination rate of 500,000 to 800,000 jabs a day will be easily achieved, should the vaccination rollout expands to include the minors.
While Galvez assured that the vaccines supply is sufficient, the proposal is still yet to be approved by the Department of Health (DOH) and President Rodrigo Duterte.
Children with comorbidities and those whose parents serve as healthcare workers will be prioritized once the plan is ratified by the government and other experts, including the DOH.
Earlier, the DOH said that local experts are still deliberating on the use of COVID-19 vaccines for minors as to its safety and effectiveness on children regardless of the brand, which shall first be studied before they can issue an official recommendation.
Despite this, local government units (LGUs) have already prepared for the potential rollout by opening vaccination registrations for the younger population.