Minors aged 12 to 17 who have weak immune systems may get their first booster shots to increase their defense against COVID-19, the Department of Health said Wednesday, as new cases rise.
There are some 238,000 minors with comorbidities in the age group who have completed their primary series and are eligible for boosters, said Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire as she asked the rest of the children aged 12 to 17 to wait for their turn.
"Ang iba pong kabataan 12 to 17 ay isusunod na rin po soon, maybe by next week or a couple of days after the immunocompromised. Gusto lang po natin ayusin muna ang immunocompromised children," she told reporters.
GUIDE: COVID-19 Second Booster Shots for Adults with Comorbidities
Here's your guide:
Who are considered immunocompromised?
The DOH defines immunocompromised as:
- Those who have been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Those who had received organ transplant and are taking medicines to suppress the immune system
- Those who received stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicines to suppress the immune system
- Those with moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Those with advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Those with active treatment of high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress immune response
- Those on chronic dialysis
- Those living with autoimmune disease and treatment with specific immunosuppresive medications
- Those diagnosed with conditions considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromised state as advised by the attending physician (such as severe malnutrition)
Which vaccine brands can they get?
Only Pfizer vaccines can be given to kids aged 12 to 17 with weak immune systems as a booster dose.
When can kids get their first booster dose?
First booster doses may be administered at least 28 days after completing their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.
How to schedule booster shots?
Medical centers and hospitals will be the ones to set a schedule for immunocompromised children without attending physicians. Parents or guardians may also coordinate with community health officers or rural health units for hospital-based vaccinations.
What are the requirements?
Parents/guardians should be present during the booster administration, the DOH said.
The following documents must be presented on vaccination day:
- Vaccination card with complete details of the primary series
- Medical certificate given by attending physician detailing the comorbidities of the child
- Documents proving the relationship between the parent/guardian and child
- Valid ID or documents with photos of the parent/guardian and the child to verify the documents presented
What if the parent can't accompany the child?
If the child's parent cannot accompany their children on vaccination day, the accompanying adult 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. Walk-ins and referrals from community health officers, rural health units, or any health facility will be accommodated in medical centers and hospital vaccinations as long as they brought all the requirements.
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