The Philippines has inoculated 12,958 minors with comorbidities aged 12 to 17 years old against COVID-19, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said Tuesday.
According to Galvez, from the initial eight hospitals tapped for the pediatric vaccination, a total of 26 hospitals are now involved.
“We want to protect our children from severe disease and hospitalization. Kasi nakita natin noong Delta, almost 20 percent or 17 percent po ang nakita natin na na-hospitalize na mga bata,” Galvez said in a statement.
Galvez stressed the importance of vaccinating minors in the reopening of face-to-face classes and other businesses related to the education sector.
The children being allowed to have “leeway to move around and play” will also help their mental well-being as well as revive economic activities.
“We can only do these kung ma-vaccinate na rin natin ang mga bata so they will have ‘yung consumers’ confidence to go out,” Galvez said.
On Monday night, Galvez said the country is looking to finish the vaccination of minors by December to protect them from severe infection.
The National Task Force Against COVID-19 said the Philippines is expecting to vaccinate around 12.7 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old.
Meanwhile, the country reported 4,393 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the nationwide tally to 2,765,672 and active cases to 53,642. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA News
Philippines inoculates over 12K minors with comorbidities against COVID-19
Source: Pinoy Hub News
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