DOH speeds up pediatric vax for school reopening by August

The Department of Health (DOH) is accelerating pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations to ensure a safe return to school by August.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the goal is for schools to fully reopen this next school year, with pilot testing of face-to-face classes starting on November 15 in several areas across the country.

National Action Plan on COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez sees face-to-face classes resuming at all levels by August as long as health protocols are followed.

Galvez noted that no infections were reported among children who participated in pilot-tested face-to-face classes, and only four out of over 10,000 vaccinated children showed minor side effects.