The Department of Health in Bicol (DOH-5) started on Monday its “Resbakuna Kids” pediatric coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccination with an initial rollout of 500 doses for children 5 to 11 years old at the SM City here.
DOH-5 Covid-19 Vaccination Program Coordinator, Dr. Monrey Isaiah Mancilla, said in an interview they are aiming to administer shots to 979,635 minors.
He encouraged other parents to let their children get the jabs for their protection.
“This is the best time to let your kids be vaccinated,” Mancilla added.
Aside from SM City Legazpi, the other pediatric vaccination site in Bicol is at the Naga City Medical Center.
SM City Legazpi spokesperson Claire Hariri said in a separate interview they made sure that the venue is child-friendly to lessen the children’s fear of jabs.
“We put balloons, mascots for the children to feel better after the inoculation,” she said.
Meanwhile, in a radio interview, Kenn Nuyda, Nurse V of the DOH-5 Regional Epidemiology and Response Unit, cited the importance of having children aged 5 to 11 years vaccinated against Covid-19.
“Children from this age group are not exempted from contracting the Covid-19 virus from other people like adults within the household,” he said.
As of February 6, the Bicol Region has recorded Covid-19 infection in 1,007 boys and 877 girls aged 5 to 11 years.
Source: Philippines News Agency
