VACCINATING minors aged 12 to 17 against the coronavirus disease is critical for it will help ensure their continued access to education, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Saturday.

Galvez said the country can resume face-to-face classes after children have been given jabs.

“There are also mental concerns of having our children in houses. We have to sustain vaccinations of our adolescent youngsters so that in the near future, they could go around,” he said.

The official earlier said that most local government units are ready to start vaccinating minors and the general population this month.

The vaccination of minors with comorbidities will be piloted in five hospitals in Metro Manila.

The Covid19 vaccines will be administered at the National Children’s Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine General Hospital, and two other hospitals in the capital region.

The inoculation will be done in phases and those aged 15 to 17 with health risks and those who are living with healthcare workers will get jabs first.

The Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines has allowed the emergency use of Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines for minors aged 12 to 17.