The Philippines is preparing to start the COVID-19 vaccination of minors which would be done in phases, starting in six hospitals in Metro Manila, authorities said Monday.
Starting pediatric vaccinations in hospitals will allow medical experts to easily monitor minors to be inoculated for possible side effects, Health Sec. Francisco Duque III said.
"Ito po ay ilulunsad sa mga ospital muna para sa ganun, kung magkaroon man ng mga adverse event followiong immunization ay at least nasa loob na po ng ospital at mabilis matugunan kung magkaroon ng emergency," he told reporters.
READ: Kids with Comorbidities are First to Get COVID Vaccines, Says DOH
Here are the six hospitals to be used for the pilot of COVID-19 vaccination for children and teens according to vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr.:
1. Philippine Children's Medical Center
2. National Children's Hospital
3. Philippine Heart Center
4. Pasig City Children's Hospital
5. Fe del Mundo Medical Center
6. Philippine General Hospital
While the government earlier announced that minors with underlying health risks would be prioritized for the pediatric vaccination, Duque added that inoculations would be phased starting with those aged 15 to 17.
COVID-19 vaccination of minors is set to start on Oct. 15.
The following are the main considerations of the DOH for the vaccination of minors:
1. Informed consent by the parent /guardian and child prior to vaccination will be obtained
2. Supply availability of Pfizer and Moderna, the only vaccines with emergency use authorization for 12 to 17 years old issued by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration
3. Equitable access to medical clearance by a physician for children with comorbidities
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