Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7) – Several vaccination sites in Metro Manila are now ready for the initial rollout of COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 years old, despite a petition filed by two parents to stop the government initiative.
To encourage vaccinees, San Juan City will offer a children’s party theme at the Fil-Oil arena, providing a pre-pandemic feel while still following minimum health protocols.
“Gusto ni Mayor Francis na maging relaxing ang [Mayor Francis wants a relaxing] atmosphere,” city information officer Brian Geli said, with coloring activities, film showings, magicians, and cosplayers to entertain the children.
San Juan will prioritize its 5,000 children in the inoculation, but will eventually accept kids from other cities.
Meanwhile, the National Children’s Hospital said it could accommodate 300 pre-registered children, adding that it has enough medical staff on site.
The Philippine Heart Center meanwhile said it can vaccinate 600 children per day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We have certain number of people to be vaccinated per hour. For example, 8 to 9 a.m., 50 people, we will accommodate 50 people. Nagkaroon na ng [We already had an] online booking before,” said Dr. Tony Pascual. “In the afternoon of Tuesday, we will also be doing vaccination for 12 to 17 (year olds).”
But some officials do not agree with the vaccination program’s policy on consent. A Department of Health guideline allows the state to act as parens patriae and give the necessary consent in case the parents or guardians refuses to allow the minors to be vaccinated, despite their willingness to take the shots.
“The fact na hindi pumayag ang magulang, ibig sabihin, ‘yun ang opinyon ng magulang na mabuti sa anak di ba [The fact that the parents refused meant it’s what they think is best for their children],” Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco said.
Senator Imee Marcos is also opposing the memorandum, saying the government cannot usurp parental authority.
Former ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Dominic Almelor and Girlie Samonte, mother of two children who had health problems after receiving the Dengvaxia vaccine, filed the petition to stop the project through the Public Attorney’s Office.
The government said the national rollout of the vaccination for children will begin on Feb. 14.
