Cabotaje: 65.6% of aged 12 to 17 fully vaccinated vs. COVID-19

More than 60% of Filipino children ages 12 to 17 have been fully inoculated against COVID-19 since the rollout of the vaccination drive for the age group in November last year, Health Undersecretary and National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) head Myrna Cabotaje said Sunday.

"We are happy to report na maganda naman ang coverage natin sa ating rest of pediatric population" (Our coverage for the rest of pediatric population is doing well)," said Cabotaje over Super Radyo dzBB.

"Naka-77 percent na tayo ng first dose so 8.8 million out of 11.4 million, tapos mga 65.6 percent na rin ang ating second doses" (77% received first dose and 65.6% for second dose), she added.

But for children with comorbidity, Cabotaje said, only 23% or 299,000 out of 1.2 million children are fully vaccinated against the severe respiratory disease.

"Siyempre medyo nag-aatubili pa 'yung mga may anak na may karamdaman. (Parents of these children are still hesitant)," she added.

Asked about giving boosters for the age group, Cabotaje said "it is in the horizon" but there are no studies yet to recommend additional doses for children aged 12 to 17.

Vaccine orders for ages 5 to 11

On the vaccine orders for kids aged 5 to 11, Cabotaje said they expect 780,000 more doses to arrive on February 10, and another 780,000 doses on February 16.

About 780,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the younger kids already arrived. 

However, logistical issues prompted the government to move the COVID-19 inoculation schedule for the 5 to 11 age group to February 7, 2022. 

For the registration, Cabotaje said 170,000 children registered in Metro Manila while 500,000 children registered in the vaccination program in other areas. —LBG, GMA News