THE DEPARTMENT of Health on Monday approved the administration of Covid19 booster shots to children ages 12-17.

“Napirmahan na ni Secretary Duque ‘yung approval dito, hinihintay na lang ‘yung guidelines, which should come in very soon,” Dr. Nina Gloriani, Vaccine Expert Panel chairperson, said.

“Meron na lang kaunting technicalities na inaayos, tapos ilalabas na rin iyon. At pagkatapos noon ay puwede nang magbigay,” she added.

The doctor said the boosters were approved for teenagers to boost their immunity against the virus.

“Medyo may ilang buwan na rin na naibigay natin ‘yung primary series nila, yung waning immunity plus of course may banta pa rin nung mga variants or subvariants of concern natin. And we want also na mag-normalize pati ang mga bata natin, mga anak natin, apo,” she said.

Gloriani said that parents want booster shots for their children as face-to-face classes are set to resume.

“I think okay naman sila kasi nga gusto nila ang mga bata, makapasok na rin, face-to-face, and then siyempre iniisip natin lahat ‘yan, mas magiging mobile ang mga tao and we will really have to normalize soon,” she said.