Duque OK with COVID-19 vaccination of minors if supply permits

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday supported the vaccination of minors against COVID-19, provided that there are enough supplies.

Duque said the matter is being studied by the Vaccine Expert Panel and the All Experts Group of the Department of Health (DOH).

“I, for one, supply permitting, I wouldn’t mind that we should already start vaccinating children for as long as, first, we prioritize… those with comorbidities,” he said in an interview on ANC.

“I would support it, supply permitting,” he added.

Duque said the University of the Philippines reported six COVID-19 pediatric cases, two of whom have comorbidities and manifested “very serious” infection.

The Philippine General Hospital, a major COVID-19 referral center, has also reached full capacity of its intensive care unit beds for children.

The DOH earlier sought to assure the public that COVID-19 cases have been increasing across all age groups, not just among children.

Over the weekend, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the vaccination of minors aged 12 to 17 may start in September or October depending on the vaccine supply.

The Food and Drug Administration said the inclusion of minors in the vaccination program would mean 12 million to 14 million more individuals will need to be given a jab.

The Philippines has vaccinated over 13 million people, as of August 8.—AOL, GMA News