The Department of Health (DOH) called on parents, teachers, and fully vaccinated individuals to campaign for the government’s vaccination program as inoculation for minors aged 12 years to 17 years with co-morbidities began in the Davao Region on Friday.
In his speech during the vaccination rollout at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Roy Ferrer said everyone has the power to influence their respective networks and advocate the advantages of getting vaccinated.
“I am calling each and everyone who are fully vaccinated to impart your knowledge on the vaccines and your vaccination experience, especially our teachers,” Ferrer said.
“I am also reminding the parents to impart the same. It does not make us weak in any way, rather it makes us well-protected against the risk of the Covid-19 virus.”
Ferrer underscored the need to expand the vaccination awareness within the population because the faster the DOH vaccinates Filipinos at the soonest possible time, the better and safer for everyone.
“I know every one of us here yearns to have the true essence of Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Together, with the medical experts and doctors, we assure everyone that vaccines are safe and effective,” he said.
Vaccination for pediatric population
Dr. Annabelle Yumang, DOH 11 (Davao Region) director, cited that about 10 percent of the country’s population is composed of children aged 12 to 17.
In the region, she said they are targeting to inoculate 620,216 kids for the pediatric rollout.
“This is it. Thank you to the parents and guardians who heeded our call. We prioritize those with co-morbidities for now,” Yumang said. “It is very important for this age group to get inoculated because some of our cases involving them were acquired from their household.”
Ferrer, meanwhile, noted the importance of inoculating the young ones, saying this would ensure their future.
“As they say, it takes a village to raise a child and this wisdom has never been more relevant than today with how the Covid virus spreads. Indeed, it takes an entire community of different people working together to ensure the safety and growth of our children,” he said.
“To vaccinate is to protect, as we pursue to vaccinate our children, we are protecting our loved ones. For our dear parents and guardians, I highly encourage you to get your children and yourselves vaccinated.”
Protection from Covid-19
Emmanuel Driz, an accountant at SPMC, accompanied his daughter Aubrey during the first day of the vaccination rollout for the 12- to 17-year-olds with co-morbidities.
Driz, whose wife also works at SPMC, said their daughter agreed to get inoculated because she is aware of the risk involved in being infected with Covid-19.
“She is our only child. She is 12 years old and she is asthmatic. So far, she is okay and nothing untoward happened after her inoculation,” he said.
As the person in charge of the entire human resource of SPMC, Driz also encouraged all the parents to get their children vaccinated.
“This will not only be the protection of the parents but of the children and the whole family in the entire household,” he added.
Aubrey, meanwhile, said she never hesitated to get vaccinated.
“For those kids who are hesitant, this is for your safety and if you want to protect your loved ones, it’s best to get the vaccine,” she said.
Source: Philippines News Agency