Everything You Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines for Minors

PHOTO BY Jerome Ascano

On October 15, the Philippines expanded its COVID-19 vaccination program to minors aged 12 to 17, as it moved to thwart future outbreaks. Minors with comorbidities will be first in line and there is enough supply for all 1.2 million of them, of which 144,123 are in Metro Manila, said vaccine czar Carlito Galvez in an October 12 statement posted by the National Task Force Against COVID-19.

Here's everythig you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines for minors in the Philippines:

Who can get vaccinated?

Those aged 12 to 17 only with underlying health conditions like Down Syndrome, HIV, cancer, tuberculosis, and others will be prioritized. They are part of the A3 priority group, specifically known as "Pediatric A3."

According to the Department of Health, other children and teens could soon be included in the vaccination program once the country secures more supplies of jabs.

Which vaccine brand will they get?

So far, only Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are allowed for those under the Pediatric A3 priority list. The two vaccines have emergency use authority for those aged 12 to 17 from the Food and Drug Administration.

How to register minors for vaccines?

Contact your child's pediatrician or hospital to book a schedule for vaccination.

What do they need to bring on vaccine day?

The child's parent or guardian should be present during the vaccination. They will be asked to present the following:

• Medical certificate from the child's pediatrician or physician which details their comorbidities (Be sure to follow the Department of Health's medical certificate template)
• Official document showing the parent or guardian's relationship to the child
• Valid ID of the child and of the parent or guardian with photo

Where can children get vaccinated?

Eight hospitals in Metro Manila were chosen for phase 1 of vaccination for minors:

• National Children’s Hospital (Quezon City)
• Philippine Heart Center (Quezon City)
• Pasig City Children’s Hospital (Pasig)
• Fe Del Mundo Medical Center (Quezon City)
• Philippine General Hospital (Manila)
• Makati Medical Center (Makati)
• St. Luke’s Medical Center (Taguig)
• Philippine Children’s Medical Center (Quezon City)

This story originally appeared on Reportr.world. Minor edits have been made by the SPOT.ph editors.

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Source: Spot PH