MAASIN CITY – The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination drive for children ages 12 to 17 was launched on November 12, 2021 at the provincial hospital in Dongon, Maasin City, Southern Leyte. The Department of Health Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Feliciano John Matibag, led the pediatric vaccination rollout in the province.
There were one hundred thirty-one (131) children whose ages range from 12 to 17 that got injected with Pfizer vaccine. As reported, only Moderna and Pfizer vaccines can be used for the children of this age group. The Department of Health-Eastern Visayas said that these vaccines have already obtained their Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, and are safe and effective.
The city government of Maasin also issued some information about the requirements on how to avail of the covid-19 vaccines for children.
The barangays where the child resides are task in the registration process. But before a child can be registered for vaccination, the following documentary requirements must be prepared: Proof of filiation (birth certificate, baptismal, others); identification cards for parents/guardians and minors. Medical certificate is needed for minors with comorbidities. Special Power of Attorney must also be presented by those minors who are not accompanied by their parents on their vaccination schedule.
For vaccination schedule, parents or guardians are asked to approach their respective barangay officials/barangay health emergency response teams (BHERTS), or the barangay health worker (BHW).
SLT interviewed some children about their opinion on the vaccination drive against COVID-19. A 17-year-old student from Libhu National High School said, “Based on my observation vaccine can fight the infectious Covid-19. We need this for our immune system… as a teen I am happy, we can now go out to see our friends and can wander wherever we go.”
Meanwhile, an 11th grade student from Guadalupe National High School commented, “I have no choice. If I won’t get vaccinated, I cannot attend face-to-face classes and cannot visit my friends.”
A 16-year-old 11th grade student from Saint Joseph College said, “I want it because this will be a fight against Covid-19, needed in the face-to-face classes and above all, for safety.” He also said that he is ready, whenever the vaccination day is.
While other students are so excited for their vaccination, some are uncertain saying, “I don’t want to be vaccinated because I need more knowledge about it and make research because everything in the news is not true… I will first observe, only then will I get vaccinated.”
Southern Leyte Times
