MANILA – As of Thursday, around 59 million Filipinos have received complete doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines.
Based on the most recent data from the National Covid-19 vaccination dashboard, the Philippines has already administered 127,163,606 doses of Covid-19 vaccine all over the country.
Of the total administered vaccines, 60,466,380 doses were used as first shots, 59,120,367 as second jabs, and 7,576,859 as booster shots or additional doses.
Over 7.5 million adolescents, or children aged 12 to 17, are also completely protected from the deadly Covid-19 disease.
Meanwhile, on Friday, the government will begin the Covid-19 vaccination drive for children aged 5 to 11 years old.
Dr. Ted Herbosa, medical adviser of the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19, stated at the Laging Handa public briefing that the pilot administration of lower-dose Covid-19 vaccines for children will be conducted in select hospitals and local government-run vaccination sites throughout Metro Manila.
These include the Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and National Children’s Hospital, SM North EDSA’s Skydome, all in Quezon City; Fil Oil Gymnasium in San Juan and in Manila Zoo.
After a week, this will be expanded to other vaccination sites in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
Herbosa advised more parents to let their children to be vaccinated against Covid-19 infection, noting that the Philippine Pediatric Society, Inc. and the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines have already recommended the immunization program for a much younger demographic.
Parents and guardians are reminded to bring necessary requirements on the scheduled day of their children’s vaccination.
Eligible individuals can also get the booster shots at select pharmaceutical stores in Metro Manila.
