Dr. Chris Sorongon, Emergency Operations Center-Task Force deputy for medical data analysis and management, said the COVID-19 Vaccination Council is initially targeting 5, 000 children, aged 5-11 years old, for inoculation on Week One of the simultaneously nationwide kids vaccination on February 14.
The February 14 pediatric vaccination campaign will be held at the Riverside Medical Center, Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital, City Health Office and at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, Dr. Edwin Miraflor, Jr., CHO officer-in-charge, said.
At least 40,000 kids were already registered for the upcoming vaccination.
The Pfizer-BioNTech supply for pediatric vaccination is expected to arrive in the country today, February 9. Bacolod City expects to receive its allocation by Friday, February 11, according to Miraflor.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia also ordered the EOC-TF and CoVac to prioritize minors in their vaccination drive as the city continues its fight against the virus.
“We now have the opportunity to protect a vulnerable population. I am urging parents to have their kids vaccinated and help us protect Bacolod,” Leonardia said.
The team is also eyeing to tap school gymnasiums as additional vaccination sites in the future.
Only Pfizer has been issued an emergency use authorization or, the EUA, for pediatric vaccination, the Department of Health earlier said.
“It’s high time for us to protect our children against COVID-19. Let us consider this as a marching order towards the new normal and prepare them for face-to-face classes in the future,” Sorongon said.