Nationwide COVID Vaccination of Minors Starts on Nov. 3

(UPDATE) All minors aged 12 to 17 can get vaccinated against COVID-19 starting Nov. 3, the Department of Health said Wednesday, as the government expands its immunization program.

Earlier, Sec. Carlito Galvez, the country's vaccine czar, said the rollout for all 12 to 17-year-olds will start by Nov. 5.

Vaccinations for minors using Pfizer and Moderna jabs started Oct. 15 in Metro Manila and prioritized those with comorbidities under the pediatric A3 group. As of Oct. 26, 18,666 minors with comorbidities received their first dose of vaccines in Metro Manila, the DOH said.

On Friday, Oct. 29, up to 50 more hospitals will open for vaccinations of immunocompromised minors nationwide.

There are around 12.7 million children aged 12 to 17 in 2021, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Guidelines for the nationwide rollout are being drafted, Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire told reporters.

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