COVID-19 vax rollout for 0-4 years old may start in April, May — DOH exec

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje on Thursday said the rollout of COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 0 to four years old may start by April or May this year.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, Cabotaje said the government is considering this period when there is already a study and recommendation on the inoculation of the youngest age group.

“Titingnan natin, baka by second quarter, mga April or May, kung mayroon nang bakuna na puwede sa 0-4 at may mga pag-aaral na at recommendation na,” she said.

Earlier, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government is eyeing to vaccinate against COVID-19 around 11.11 million children aged 0 to 4 years old before the end of June.

He said they are making contingencies to secure a supply of doses for 0-4 years old as COVID-19 vaccine brands with formulation for children are only limited, which, he said, will create shortage in the first quarter.

This is the remaining age group in the country that has yet to start its COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

As of Wednesday, Cabotaje said around 66.4 people have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the Philippines.

Galvez said the government targets to vaccinate 90 million Filipinos before the end of June. — RSJ, GMA News