Pediatric Vaccination In Metro Manila Saw Over 1,500 Participants In The First 2 Days

A total of 1,509 children ages 12 to 17 were vaccinated against COVID-19 in the first two days of the implementation of pediatric vaccination in Metro Manila, the Department of Health (DOH) reported. 

DOH was pleased with the early pediatric vaccination turnout, saying it shows many families trust the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines.

“So ito naman po’y isang magandang pakita na ang talagang ating mga magulang tsaka 'yung ating mga kabataan ay talagang may kumpiyansa dito sa ating bakuna,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

As of October 16, 2021, only four out of the 1,509 vaccinees experienced adverse effects following immunization (AEFI), Vergeire reported based on initial records they received.

One child had increased in blood pressure, another experienced allergic reaction, and two were stress-related AEFIs. Vergeire assured all were managed immediately.

"Isang bata nagkaroon ng pagtaaas ng presyon, but after 2 hours they were able to manage it. Naging normal na ang blood pressure ng bata. Pangalawa, meron ding isa nagkaroon ng allergic reaction but it was managed at nagresolve 'yug allergies. Tapos may 2 stress-related dun sa immunization," Vergeire said.

Vergeire notes that these cases of AEFI have yet to be officially reported to the Food and Drug Administration.

Phase 1 of COVID-19 vaccination for kids started last October 15, 2021. Children ages 12 to 17 with any of 11 comorbidities listed by the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines are  now considered under the "A3" priority group and eligible for vaccination. (Check the list of comorbidities here)

There are eight hospitals in Metro Manila chosen to participate in phase 1 of pediatric vaccination. Come October 22, 2021, phase 2 will begin, and 13 additional hospitals in Metro Manila will be given the go signal to inoculate children 12 to 17-year-olds against COVID-19, according to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Read here to know what pedias are saying about how you can protect your children against COVID-19.

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