THE GOVERNMENT has vaccinated 23,727 minors aged 12 to 17 against the Covid19, the Department of Health said on Thursday.

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said only 25 minors experienced adverse effects after getting their jabs, with three of them tagged as “severe cases.”

Cabotaje noted that the severe case includes one allergic reaction, while the two needed oxygenation.

“’Yung ibang kaso are mild allergies, may kaunting rashes, may kaunting sakit sa injection site, but many of these, nakikita natin sa mga bata even with measles and rubella,” she said.

“All the severe cases were properly managed,” she added.

The health official said that they aim to vaccinate at least 80 percent of 12.7 million children before the end of December.

Citing data from Philippine Statistics Authority, she said 1.8 million children are from Calabarzon, 1.4 million are from National Capital Region and 1.3 million are from Central Luzon.

Cabotaje said the pilot run of pediatric inoculation nationwide will be carried out in 123 sites beginning Friday, October 29.

“The expansion of the pediatric vaccination aims to encourage other family members to get vaccinated and boost confidence in the resumption of in-person classes,” Cabotaje pointed out.

Prior to vaccination, minors must secure a clearance from a doctor. Parents or guardians should give their consent.