Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 4)— The COVID-19 inoculation of children aged 5 to 11 will push through next week despite delays in vaccine shipment and the petition to stop the pediatric vaccination drive, officials said Friday.
On Thursday, two petitioner-parents told a Quezon City court that the vaccination is unconstitutional and children should be spared from undue experimentation.
But health officials maintained all vaccines used in the country have been studied by local and global experts. The Health department said it has already received the petition.
“We will wait for the process to take its course, but sabi nga nila we are committed to pursue the vaccination kasi sa ikakagaling naman yan ng mga bata and whole of the country… May mga nanay and children (na) eagerly waiting. Itutuloy natin ‘yan unless the process of the TRO takes its course,” Health Undersecretary and National Vaccination Operations Center chief Myrna Cabotaje said in a public briefing.
[Translation: We will wait for the process to take its course, but as what we have said we are committed to pursue the vaccination for the benefit of the children and the entire country… There are mothers and children eagerly waiting. We will push through with it unless the process of the TRO takes its course.]
She added that the government provided enough venues to discuss the benefits and safety of the vaccines with parents and health workers.
“Meron tayong townhalls para sa healthcare workers para i-explain ang scientific basis, bakit kailangan mag-bakuna ng bata. And these healthcare workers are the best sources of information. We also have townhall meetings with our mothers and parents para maexplain sa kanila ang kabutihan ng bakunahan.”
[Translation: We have townhalls for healthcare workers to explain the scientific basis and the need to vaccinate kids. And these healthcare workers are the best sources of information. We also have townhall meetings with our mothers and parents to explain the benefits of vaccinating their children.]
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, meanwhile, shared a global report that shows 97.6% of 8.7 million fully-vaccinated children did not experience any adverse effects following immunization. The rest only had mild side effects that were resolved eventually.
Vergeire also reiterated that pediatric vaccination is not mandatory.
“Ito po ay naaayon sa kagustuhan ninyo at ng inyong anak… informed consent is required for all. Ang mga polisiya po natin hingil sa pagbabakuna ay boluntaryo,” she said.
“Para sa ating mga magulang na meron pa ring kaba at pangamba, hinihikayat po namin kayo na magbasa ng mga studies at magtanong sa inyong mga pediatricians tungkol sa bakuna natin,” Vergeire added.
[Translation: It is up to you and your children, informed consent is required for all. Our policy on vaccination is that it is voluntary. To our parents who are apprehensive, we urge you to read studies and ask your pediatricians about the vaccines.]
About 160,000 children aged 5 to 11 have been registered for vaccination — with around 100,000 in Metro Manila.
After facing delays in shipping, Cabotaje said the 780,000 low-dose Pfizer vaccines will arrive Friday night and will be delivered early Saturday morning.
The rollout in Metro Manila will begin on Feb 7. Inoculations will also start in selected areas in Central Luzon and Calabarzon next week.
The rest of the regions will follow on Feb. 14.
