NCR mayors open registration for COVID-19 vaccination of children –Abalos

Metro Manila mayors have opened registration for COVID-19 vaccinations for children, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Benhur Abalos said on Monday.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, Abalos said this was just preparation in case the Department of Health approves the vaccination of children and provides guidelines for these vaccinations.

“Habang nag-aantay tayo rito, ang mga mayors ng Metro Manila ay nagpapa-pre-register na ng mga bata, just in case, ito ay mabigyan kaagad ng go signal ng DOH,” he said.

(While we are waiting for this, Manila Mayors already started the registration of children, just in case the DOH will give a go signal)

The Food and Drug Administration approved the amendment in the Emergency Use Authorization of Moderna and Pfizer

The country would have to vaccinate an additional 12 to 14 million people if the government allows the vaccination of children aged 17 and below, according to the FDA.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said the vaccination of children against COVID-19 could start by the end of September or October depending on the vaccine supply.

For infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvana, it would be better to follow the government’s prioritization framework until the country's vaccine supply improves.

“Children who are 20 years old and below have a baseline risk of dying of about .1%. Even if we want to get down to .01%, it’s more important to target those who are at higher risk of dying,” he said. — DVM, GMA News