Vax drive targets over 1M kids in W. Visayas as 232 minors die in C. Visayas

Around 1,080,597 children aged 5 to 11 years old in Western Visayas are targeted for the coronavirus pediatric vaccination expected to roll out on Valentine's Day.

DOH official Dr. Renilyn Reyes emphasized that vaccines provide additional protection against severe disease and deaths, and help build 'cocoon protection' for those who cannot be vaccinated.

In Central Visayas, at least 232 minors died from COVID-19 between December 2021 and January 2022, with 30 deaths in December and 202 in January.

DOH Central Visayas Chief Pathologist Mary Jean Loreche urged parents to vaccinate their children, noting that 69.2% of pediatric cases nationwide were among those aged 0 to 11 years old.