The Philippine Army commenced on February 16, 2022, its Covid-19 vaccination drive for children aged 5 to 11 years old in line with the national government’s efforts to expand the country’s vaccination coverage.
Army General Hospital (AGH) medical teams are administering recalibrated Pfizer doses for military dependents aged 5 to 11 years old on a walk-in basis. AGH spruced up its function hall with a Disney-inspired theme to entertain children who will be inoculated against Covid-19.
AGH Commanding Officer Col. Jonna Dalaguit who's also a pediatrician, said that the pediatric vaccination drive will significantly reduce symptomatic and severe Covid-19 infections among the pediatric population aged 5 to 11 years old.
“Vaccines are the best preventive medicine to protect children from possible Covid-19 infection,” Col. Dalaguit said as she assured parents of the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. “It’s not only the adults who should be protected against Covid-19. Our children are also at risk for infection,” she added.
Covid-19 infected more than 110,000 children aged 5 to 11 years old from March 2020 to January 2022, according to data from the Department of Health. The national government is implementing the pediatric vaccination drive in preparation for the gradual resumption of face-to-face classes.
Photo: Pvt Adriel Paglinawan PA/ OACPA