1,151 minors with comorbidities get first COVID-19 vaccine dose

A total of 1,151 children aged 12 to 17 with comorbidities were vaccinated with their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine during the pilot program's first day on Friday, October 15.

The pilot vaccination, which began on Friday, October 15, involved eight hospitals nationwide, primarily in Metro Manila, and used the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

No adverse reactions were reported among the vaccinated children.

The majority of vaccinated children came from the Philippine Heart Center, Makati Medical Center, St. Luke's Medical Center - Global City, and Pasig City Children's Hospital.

The DOH estimates approximately 1.2 million children with comorbidities in this age group nationwide.

Eligible medical conditions include genetic conditions, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, HIV infection, tuberculosis, chronic respiratory diseases, renal disorders, immunocompromised status, and medical complexity.

The pediatric vaccination program for minors will be expanded seven days after the initial rollout and will be fully implemented throughout the National Capital Region after 14 days.

The government is on track to vaccinate children aged 12 to 14 years by next week and those outside Metro Manila no later than November 5.