Vaccinations will continue for those aged 5 to 11 on February 4.
According to vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, at least 24 hospital and non-hospital-based vaccination sites will be opened in the National Capital Region.
The supply of vaccines specially formulated or made for that age group is expected to arrive two days before the roll-out.
Because of this, Dr. Ted Herbosa reminded that if the child is less than five years old, do not insist on being vaccinated.
Studies are not enough to say what effect the vaccine will have on children under five years old, said Herbosa, adviser to the National Task Force Against COVID-19.
According to Herbosa, it is also essential for parents to tell the vaccinators if they have a history of allergic reactions.
“The physician will asses if the risk is worth it,” said Herbosa.
“If you had a severe reaction to a previous vaccine, because children also get other vaccines… then you might not be a candidate for this vaccine.”
But Herbosa clarified that the benefits of vaccination for children are still more significant than the possible side effects.
Dr. Maricar Limpin, president of the Philippine College of Physicians, believes that it is better to protect younger children against COVID, significantly since more children have been affected in the recent increase of cases.
Reminder to parents with children ages 5-11 that will be vaccinated
“We know that more children have been affected by this omicron surge compared to the previous surges, so really this is already high-time to give [vaccines] to our children. I hope parents will really bring them,” said Limpin.
The vaccine also provides additional protection against “long COVID” or experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 even after the infection period is over.
Herbosa also advised parents to talk to their children to be prepared for the vaccine.
The vaccine should not be used as a scare on children, Herbosa said.
As with vaccinations at ages 12-17, parents must accompany their children to sign that they authorize them to be vaccinated.
Some vaccination documents may also be needed.
“Recommendation is the PSA birth [certificate] or some equivalent that proves the child is 5 to 11 years old,” ani Herbosa.
The government is still finalizing guidelines for vaccination in the said age group.
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