Isko: Manila Zoo to open as COVID-19 vaccination site for minors, elderly

Manila Zoo will be opened as a vaccination site for minors aged 12 to 17 and senior citizens starting January 19, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno announced on Tuesday.

In a press conference, Moreno said at least 1,000 individuals would be accommodated per day. They are also advised to pre-register at manilazoo.ph to get their tickets.

“Tomorrow (January 19), we are opening the Manila Zoo where in kids and elderly can go to Manila Zoo starting 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Minors 12 to 17 years old first dose, [and] second dose, and elderly whether their guardians, parents or yung mga lolo at lola ko na gusto magpabooster may booster din tayo,” Moreno said.

“Now as we speak, live na po ang ating registration pumunta na po kayo sa www.manilazoo.ph and get your free tickets for 1,000 individuals,” he added.

Moreno said those who will be inoculated must register in the ManilaCOVID-19vaccine.ph.

“Kung magpapabakuna kayo make sure narehistro niyo na sa ManilaCOVID-19 vaccine.ph yung ginagamit natin, kung wala naman pwede kayong magparehistro roon sa lugar na iyon,” he said.

(If you are going to get vaccinated, make sure you have registered in the ManilaCOVID-19 vaccine.ph that we use, if not, you can register there in that area.)

Meanwhile, Isko assured that the local government is ready for the vaccination of aged 5 to 11, adding that they are waiting for the arrival of the Pfizer vaccines.

“Iniintay lang natin yung vaccine I think its Pfizer, iniintay lang natin yung vaccine particular para sa 5 to 11. We are ready. In fact, may nakarehistro na sa atin almost 5,000 [na] 5 to 11 years old in-enroll na ng mga magulang.

(We are just waiting for the vaccine. I think it's Pfizer, we are just waiting for the vaccine in particular for 5 to 11. We are ready. In fact, there are almost 5,000 kids who are 5 to 11 years old enrolled by their parents to get inocculated.)

Last November 3, 2021, the Philippines started for all minors aged 12 to 17.

Only Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been authorized for pediatric vaccinations in the country.

Meanwhile, the government is eyeing to inoculate minors aged 5 to 11 years old against COVID-19 on the first week of February, Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said.

Cabotaje said the government is waiting for its order of Pfizer doses for the said age group to arrive.

Moreno earlier said the zoo underwent rehabilitation and has been recently opened to the public. —NB, GMA News