MANILA, Philippines – The government is eyeing to start on October 15 the COVID-19 vaccination of general adult population and minors aged 12 to 17, an official from the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.
In a televised public briefing, DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said the vaccination will be piloted in the National Capital Region (NCR) since the region has shown good vaccination progress.
Children with co-morbidity will be given priority in the COVID-19 vaccination program, she added.
“Ang target natin ay masimulan ito sa Oct. 15. Uumpisahan natin sa National Capital Region kasi maganda-ganda na ‘yong kanilang coverage ng kanilang vaccination, lalong-lalo na ‘yong kanilang A2 (senior citizens),” Cabotaje said.
“Pagkatapos ng dalawang linggo, ito ‘yong tinatawag na test run, ay dadalhin na natin sa iba’t ibang rehiyon. Uumpisahan ang pagbabakuna sa may comorbities,” she added.
Cabotaje said children and their parents or guardians should sign consent forms prior to vaccination. The minors should also present medical certificates proving their medical conditions.
Currently, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration has granted only two vaccine brands – Pfizer and Moderna – with emergency use authorization for children aged 12 to 17.
The government’s COVID-19 vaccination program covers five priority groups: healthcare workers, senior citizens, people with underlying medical conditions, essential workers, and indigents.
Cabotaje said the guidelines for the vaccination of general adult population and minors with co-morbidity may be released next week.
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