DOH: Nearly 19k minors with comorbidities vaccinated vs COVID-19

A total of 18,666 minors with comorbidities have been vaccinated against COVID-19 since the inoculation drive began on October 15, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said the vaccination of all minors aged 12 to 17 would start as early as November 3. The government plans to vaccinate around 12.7 million people who belong to the age group.

“Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will still be used among children during the nationwide rollout. Further details and the guidelines with regard to the nationwide expansion of pediatric vaccination will be released once finalized,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

Galvez said the country was looking to finish the vaccination minors by December to protect them from severe COVID-19 infection.

According to the DOH, children seeking vaccination must get a clearance from their doctors as well as give their consent and assent.

Those with 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. — VBL, GMA News