BONTOC, Mountain Province – A total of 1,116 minors aged 12 to 17 years were given the first dose of Pfizer vaccine against the Covid-19 as of Nov. 4.
Bontoc rolled out the pediatric vaccination program on Nov. 3 at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
This is a joint undertaking of the Municipal Health Office, Department of Health, Provincial Health Office, Bontoc General Hospital, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Mayor Franklin Odsey is grateful and happy with the positive response of the 12 to 17-year-olds to the vaccination.
He lauded the parents and guardians who gave consent to their children to be vaccinated and accompanied them in the vaccination area.
Municipal Immunization Program Coordinator Oliver Gacusana said prior to vaccination, the minor and the guardian or parent must fill up and sign a consent form and present one valid ID for validation.
He added the Municipal Health Office did not receive reports of severe side effects from the minors who received their jabs.
Gacusana added the pediatric vaccination will run until Nov. 30.
Madelyn Tudlong, a health worker and a mother, said she and her husband gave consent for their daughter to be vaccinated because they believe the vaccine is an effective protection against the Covid-19 and it is their contribution to reaching herd immunity.
Siblings Joshua and Alvin Balio said they had their Covid-19 vaccines so they may be allowed to attend face-to-face classes should Mountain Province be included in the pilot test of the Department of Education.
Thirteen-year-old Alexis said she had her Covid-19 vaccine for protection against the virus.
“When I go out and do my outdoor activities, I am confident that I am protected. The fear of contracting the virus is not like before,” she said.
The Food and Drugs Administration has granted emergency use authorization to Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for minors as young as 12 in June and September, respectively. – Alpine L. Killa
