It’s all systems go for the vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 years old in Bacolod City that will kicks off simultaneously nationwide on February 14.
Dr. Chris Sorongon, Emergency Operations Center-Task Force deputy for medical data analysis and management, said the COVID-19 Vaccination Council is initially targeting 5,000 minors for inoculation on Week One out of the 40,000 who have already been masterlisted.
Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia also ordered the EOC-TF and CoVac to prioritize minors in their vaccination drive as the city continues its fight against the virus.
“We now have the opportunity to protect a vulnerable population. I am urging parents to have their kids vaccinated and help us protect Bacolod,” Leonardia said.
The February 14 pediatric vaccination campaign will be held at the Riverside Medical Center, Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital, City Health Office and at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, Dr. Edwin Miraflor, Jr., CHO officer-in-charge, said.
The team is also eyeing to tap school gymnasiums as additional vaccination sites in the future.
The Pfizer-BioNTech supply for pediatric vaccination is expected to arrive in the country on Wednesday.
Bacolod City will receive its allocation by Friday, Miraflor said.
Only Pfizer has been issued an emergency use authorization or, the EUA, for pediatric vaccination, the Department of Health earlier said.
“It’s high time for us to protect our children against COVID-19. Let us consider this as a marching order towards the new normal and prepare them for face-to-face classes in the future,” Sorongon said.*
