PH eyes COVID-19 shots for kids 5-11 by mid-January
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 28) — The country eyes administering COVID-19 vaccines to children aged 5 to 11 by the second or third week of January, according to vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr.
He said Tuesday the government has already secured 15 million doses of the smaller and less concentrated Pfizer vaccines. It is expected to be delivered to the country in tranches until March, with at least 6 million arriving as early as January.
“We ordered already, October 5. But the first delivery of the Pfizer vaccines intended for 5-11, as we have negotiated, will be (in) January,” he added.
Galvez said he has also asked COVAX and UNICEF if they can spare additional vaccines specifically for younger children to be donated to the Philippines.
The official said the government targets to vaccinate 14.7 million individuals who are part of this age group.
Despite getting the approval from the Food and Drug Administration last week, the government still has not yet allowed the COVID-19 vaccination for younger kids since it requires a specific dose with a smaller and less concentrated dosage compared to the ones used by adults.
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is the first to be authorized in the Philippines for younger children. The manufacturer previously said its COVID-19 vaccine generated a “robust” antibody response in children ages 5 to 11.
SOURCE: https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/12/28/Children-COVID-19-vaccination-5-11-Pfizer-Philippines.html?fb
