DOH: 3,416 adolescents with comorbidities vaccinated vs. COVID-19

A total of 3,416 adolescents aged 15 to 17 years old with comorbidities have been vaccinated against COVID-19, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

The pediatric vaccination began on October 15. Meanwhile, phase 2 will start on Friday, October 22.

Interior spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the government is seeking to vaccinate more than 140,000 adolescents during phase 2 of the program.

According to the DOH, a total of 25 hospitals will be involved in the vaccination

The DOH estimates there are around 1.2 million children with comorbidities aged 12 to 17 years old nationwide.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire previously said children seeking vaccination must get a clearance from their doctors as well as give their consent and assent.

Meanwhile, medical conditions such as medical complexity, genetic condition, neurologic conditions, metabolic or endocrine diseases, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, HIV Infection, tuberculosis, chronic respiratory disease, renal disorders, and hepatobiliary disease, and those who are immunocompromised due to disease or treatment are eligible for vaccination.

The Philippines has logged a total of 2,731,735 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday. — RSJ, GMA News