MORE than seven million minors aged 12 to 17 have been administered their first dose of vaccine against Covid19, an official of the National Task Force Against Covid19 said.

“This week, we are about to breach 100 million doses administered. Ang magandang significant headway po, Mr. President, is ‘yung vaccination ng minors with more than seven million who have already received the first dose,” NTF Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. informed President Rodrigo Duterte during a public briefing late Monday.

Galvez said that around 2.1 million adolescents have been fully vaccinated.

The sudden increase in the number of minors who got inoculated was attributed to the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” National Covid19 Vaccination Days held from November 29 to December 1.

Vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna were approved by the Philippine Food and Drugs Administration for adolescents.

“Gustong-gusto na po ng mga kabataan at saka ng kanilang mga magulang na mabakunahan na po ang ating mga minors so that they can start already the face-to-face class program,” Galvez said. “Parang nakita po natin talaga na ‘yung ating mga kabataan gusto na po ring makalabas,” he added.

The pediatric vaccination began on October 15.

The Department of Health aims to vaccinate at least 80 percent of 12.7 million children before yearend.