Over 52,000 Filipino children get first COVID-19 vaccine dose

As of February 12, more than 52,000 children aged five to 11 years old have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Philippines.

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reported that 52,262 children across vaccination sites were inoculated.

Only four children experienced non-serious, mild adverse reactions such as headaches and rashes after vaccination.

The national rollout for this age group began on February 14, with further expansion to other areas planned after the initial week.

Vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11 are taking place in specific sites in Metro Manila, including the Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Children's Medical Center, National Children's Hospital, Manila Zoo, SM North Edsa (Skydome), and Fil Oil Gym in San Juan City.

Presidential Adviser for COVID-19 Response Vince Dizon expressed confidence that the courts would allow the pediatric vaccinations to continue, despite a request for a temporary restraining order.

Separately, the DOH in Eastern Visayas aims to vaccinate 735,631 children aged 5 to 11 against COVID-19 starting February 14.