The Philippines on Monday expanded its COVID-19 vaccination program to children aged five to 11 as the country ramps up inoculations to end the pandemic.
Some 13.5 million children aged five to 11 are targeted to be inoculated with the reformulated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine starting in Metro Manila.
Here's your guide to COVID-19 vaccination for children aged five to 11 according to the Department of Health:
Which vaccine brand is available for children?
Kids will get Pfizer vaccines which will be given in two doses with 0.2mL each, 21 days apart.
READ MORE: U.S. Authorizes Pfizer COVID Vaccine for Children 5-11
Is the vaccine safe for children with comorbidities?
The DOH said children with comorbidities are the ones who most need the protection that can be provided by COVID-19 vaccines. Children with comorbidities will need a medical certificate for COVID-19 vaccination.
Where can I register my child?
You can register your child for COVID-19 vaccination with your local government unit.
What do I need to bring on vaccination day?
Parents and guardians who will accompany the child on vaccination day should bring the following:
- Document proving the relationship between the parent and child such as a birth certificate or baptismal certificate
- Valid ID of the child with photo
- Valid ID of the parent or guardian with photo
- Face mask, hand sanitizer
- Medical certificate for those with comorbidities
What should be presented if the parent cannot accompany the child during vaccination?
According to the DOH, a special power of attorney is the best document to present.
However, in the absence of such, the guardian may bring the following:
- Notarized authorization letter
- Written affidavit of parent or guardian under oath with the presentation of valid ID
- Barangay certification
What are the possible side effects?
These are the possible side effects that are usually resolved in 24 to 48 hours:
- Pain on injection site
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Fever
Where can children aged five to 11 get vaccinated?
They can get vaccinated in select pilot sites in Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog Region (Region IV-A), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao starting Feb. 7.
The rollout will be expanded to Central Luzon starting Feb.9 and to other regions as more vaccine doses become available.
Here are the pilot sites for COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5 to 11:
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