BEGINNING this month, children aged 12 to 17 with comorbidities can get jabs against Covid19, the Department of Health said.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said minors with the following conditions will be prioritized: Medical complexity, Genetic conditions, Neurologic conditions, metabolic/endocrine conditions, cardiovascular disease, obesity, HIV infection, tuberculosis, chronic respiratory disease, renal disorders, and Hepatobiliary disorders.

“Children aged 12-17 years old need to get vaccinated now as it will also help in achieving herd immunity, and protect the children when they physically go back to school,” said Philippine Red Cross Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Senator Richard Gordon.

The PRC is waiting for clearance to start vaccinating minors with Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

As of October 1, 2021, the PRC has vaccinated 284,869 individuals in their 23 Bakuna Centers and 16 Bakuna Buses nationwide.

Gordon expressed hope that vaccine hesitancy will decline now that the country has a steady supply of vaccines.

The government aims to vaccinate at least 80 percent of the country’s population to attain herd immunity.