The administration of anti-Covid-19 vaccines for the pediatric population aged five to 11 years old will begin in Baguio on Feb. 14.
As of Feb. 10, there were 10,137 who registered in the city’s vaccination database, but City Epidemiologist Donnabel Panes said the number of registrants is low compared to the population of said age group, which is around 40,000.
Panes said the low turnout could be due to some parents waiting for feedback from the first batches of vaccinees.
The rollout for the 5 to 11 age group started last Feb. 7 in six sites in Metro Manila.
“Agpal-paliiw da pay siguro kadagidiay immuna nga nabakunaan,” Panes said but she is hopeful more will register as the days progress.
She said the trend of low registration also happened when vaccination for the adult population started a year ago but an increasing trend has been observed as more vaccines arrived.
Vaccines manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech are the only vaccines administered on the five to 11 age group, it being the only one issued an emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration.
The vaccination rollout in Baguio will be at Saint Louis University Bishop Carlito Cenzon Sports Complex and at SM City Baguio.
The CHSO will hold the rollout at mega sites as people are expected at the venues include the guardians of the children.
“Kasama nila ang mga guardian kaya kailangan maluwag ang venue para may distancing pa rin,” Panes said.
The Department of Health reported the “Resbakuna Kids” will be implemented in a phased approach, using both hospital-based and local government unit-based vaccination sites, to maximize accessibility to the general public.
There are 38 sites around the National Capital Region, five in Region 3, three in Region 4A, and one in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in Region 12.
Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment issued guidelines on the payment of wages of employees who will accompany their children for vaccination.
The DOLE said employees who accompany their children for vaccination should be excused from work, provided they present proof of vaccination of their children.
Employees may also use their leave credits to cover their absence subject to company policy or collective bargaining agreement. – Rimaliza A. Opiña
April 25, 2024
