Pediatricians offer drive-thru vaccinations amid COVID-19 threat

A group of pediatricians have started a drive-through vaccination service for parents who fear bringing their children to conventional medical facilities over the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.

"Usually po ang drive-thru station ay isang agreement or kasunduan sa isang magulang at sa isang doctor," Dr. Andrew Vicencio of the Philippine Pediatric Society said in Oscar Oida's report on 24 Oras.

"Hindi naman po kasi lahat ng doktor ay magbibigay ng ganitong serbisyo. Pero kami po'ng mga private doctors, lalo 'yung may mga inaalagaan kaming pasyente, gumagawa at humahanap po kami ng paraan upang maipag-patuloy 'ang aming serbisyo sa kanila despite ng ating enhanced community quarantine," he added.

Vicencio said that their vaccinations were given using sterile equipment, in sanitized conditions, and, if possible, with medical workers in personal protective equipment.

However, the pediatrician clarified that their services were only available for emergency cases.

"Doon lang sa mga importanteng kaso tulad ng mga kaso kung saan sila ay nakagat, nakalmot, ng aso o pusa. So hindi talaga natin mapapaliban ang immunization sa kanila," he said.

According to Vicencio, patients in need of consultation may contact them through video chats.

Meanwhile, he advised parents to immediately set up an appointment with doctors once the enhanced community quarantine was lifted for the vaccination of their newborns.

"Wag po kayong magalala as long as nagpa-follow po tayo sa ECQ, hindi po tayo lumalabas ng bahay, mababawasan po natin ang tyansa na makakuha ng sakit, hindi lamang po COVID," he said.

"Manatili po muna kayo sa bahay at pagna-lift po ang ECQ, mas maganda po makipag-appointment na po kayo sa doktor para mahabol po ninyo ang mga naantalang bakuna ng inyong mga anak," Vicencio added.

The Department of Health had previously advised parents to have their children vaccinated against measles as these were available at health centers. — DVM, GMA News