CHILDREN aged 12 to 17 years old who got their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine abroad but have returned or are currently in the Philippines during the schedule of their second dose may be vaccinated here in the country, Visayas Covid-19 Vaccination Operations Center spokesperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche said.
“Kung merong dumating man na nasa 12 to 17 years old from ibang bansa na nabigyan ng isang dose ng bakuna and we know that is Pfizer… nagbakasyon man or umuwi sila at kailangan ng second dose, pwede po nating ibigay yan provided they can show proof of the vaccination of their first dose na mula sa ibang bansa,” Loreche said.
She said the concerned individuals or their parents and guardians should first coordinate with their respective local government units for registration purposes and to check for supply availability.
Loreche, however, said the Covid-19 vaccination for the pediatric population is not allowed in the country yet, though, she mentioned the possibility of a national advisory “coming out very soon” which will provide guidelines allowing children ages 12 to 17 years old with comorbidities to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
She said if that happens, children with comorbidities like asthma, juvenile diabetes, kidney problems, and obesity, among others, who want to be vaccinated against Covid-19 can be inoculated provided they secure clearance from their pediatrician.
Meanwhile, Loreche said Central Visayas received 50,310 doses of the Pfizer vaccine on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021.
She, however, has yet to give the allocation for the new doses.
Loreche said that as of Friday, Aug. 27, there has been no new delivery of Gamaleya’s Sputnik V vaccine in the country and in the region.
She advised those who got their first dose of the Gamaleya vaccine not to worry as the national government will come up with guidelines about it.
She encouraged the vaccinees to continue observing the minimum public health standards in the meantime.
In Central Visayas, a total of 766,995 individuals aged 18 years old and above have already received their complete dose or doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Of this number, 494,966 individuals in Cebu received their complete jabs; 139,102 in Bohol; 98,047 in Negros Oriental, and 34,880 in Siquijor. (WBS)