GUIDE: First COVID Booster for Minors Aged 12 to 17

Minors aged 12 to 17 are now allowed to get their first booster shots to increase their protection against COVID-19, the Department of Health said Tuesday.

Some 9.5 million in the age group are fully vaccinated, of which 7,043 are boosted, the DOH said.

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Here's your guide:

Which vaccine brand will be given?

Pfizer is the only vaccine brand with emergency use authority to use as first booster for minors 12 to 17 as of June 2022, the DOH said.

Kids who received a different brand of vaccine for their first two doses can receive the Pfizer booster, it said.

How long should kids wait for their boosters?

Children with weak immune systems or immunocompromised must wait at least 28 days from their primary series before getting their boosters.

The rest of those aged 12-17 can get their boosters five months after completing their primary series.

Who are considered immunocompromised? Read this.

How to schedule booster shots?

Parents or guardians can register their kids for boosters through local government unit's registration websites or applications.

Where can kids get their booster shots?

They may be vaccinated in any of the following venues:

• LGUs and LGU-designated sites
• Medical clinics
• Physician's clinics
• Pharmacies
• Schools

What are the requirements?

Parents or guardians are required to accompany kids on booster day. They must also bring the following:

• Vaccination card with complete details of the primary series
• Documents to prove the adult companion's relationship with the child
• Valid ID or documents with photos of the parent or guardian and the child

Immunocompromised kids will be asked to present a medical certificate indicating their comorbidities.

Who are considered immunocompromised? Read this.

What if the parent can't accompany the child?

If the child's parent cannot accompany them on vaccination day, their adult companion must present a Special Power of Attorney.

These may also be presented as alternative document:

• Notarized Authorized Letter
• Affidavit of parent/guardian under oath with a public official such as notary public or authorized person (such as a barangay official) with a valid government ID
• Barangay certification issued by the barangay captain

Are walk-ins allowed?

Yes, fixed and temporary vaccination sites will accommodate walk-ins, said DOH. Don't forget to bring all the required documents, it said.