Parental consent now mandatory for children's COVID-19 vaccination

Parental consent is an absolute requirement for the COVID-19 vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 years old.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III clarified that the provision allowing the State to act as parens patriae and give consent if a parent refuses was misunderstood and has been removed.

Presidential Adviser on COVID-19 Response, Secretary Vince Dizon, previously confirmed that children cannot be vaccinated without their parents' or guardian's consent.

The government is prepared for potential adverse events following vaccination in this age group, acknowledging the logistical challenges with specialized Pfizer doses.

Secretary Dizon assured that the vaccines are safe and effective, citing their use in the United States with zero reported side effects in nearly 9 million vaccinated children aged 5 to 11.

The vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 began on February 7, with the government aiming to inoculate 15.5 million children in this bracket.

Only the Pfizer vaccine, formulated for younger children, is approved by the Philippine FDA for this age group, and the Philippines has purchased 30 million doses.

Initial vaccination sites in Metro Manila include the Philippine Heart Center and the National Children's Hospital.