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| A minor gets vaccinated in Caloocan City on Oct. 22, 2022, the first day of the second phase of vaccination of children with comorbidities. (Photo courtesy of Caloocan City Public Information Office) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] MANILA: Phase 2 of vaccination of minors with comorbidities against COVID-19 began in several Metro Manila hospitals and vaccination sites on Friday, the Department of Health (DOH) announced, PhilStar reported. Separate ceremonial vaccinations and a brief program were conducted at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, Ospital ng Paranaque, and Quezon City General Hospital to mark the second phase of inoculation of minors aged 12 to 17.
“Getting vaccinated against the virus, not only the adults, but also eligible children based on the Department of Health policies and guidelines will make a better environment for the kids,” said Health Undersecretary Roger Tong-an during the ceremonial vaccination at Cardinal Santos Medical Center. Aside from the said three hospitals, the second phase of immunization also commenced in 16 hospitals and areas near hospitals. The Phase 1 vaccination on minors began on Saturday.
Tong-An reiterated that the initial phase of vaccination of minors was conducted in hospitals since they have the capacity to manage possible serious adverse reactions to vaccines and facilitate easy referral of minors with underlying conditions, some of which are confined in the said hospitals. The DOH is yet to release a total number of minors who received vaccines as the vaccinations were still ongoing.
