THE DEPARTMENT of Health on Monday listed medical conditions that will qualify minors aged 12 to 17 to be vaccinated against Covid19.

“As to the criteria ng mga kabataan na masasama, meron tayong listahan ng mga sakit na kasama as comorbidities para dito sa gagawin nating pilot implementation for vaccines for 12 to 17 years old,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media briefing.

These health conditions are metabolic/endocrine, cardiovascular disease, obesity, HIV infection, tuberculosis, chronic respiratory disease, renal disorders, hepatobiliary, medical complexity, genetic conditions, and neurologic conditions.

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

“Ang mga major natin na pre-requisites would be kailangan may clearance ng doctor ang mga kabataan na babakunahan with commorbidities, kailangan ding may informed consent at assent itong gagawing pagbabakuna,” Vergeire explained.

She reiterated that minors will be closely monitored after the inoculation.

“That’s why we are doing this as an initial pilot sa mga ospital para mas maayos ang proseso at mas ma-monitor natin ang mga kabataang bibigyan ng bakuna against Covid19,” she stressed.

On Monday, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said that the vaccination will be piloted in six hospitals in Metro Manila.

The Covid19 vaccines will be conducted at Philippine Children’s Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Pasig City Children’s Hospital, Fe Del Mundo Medical Center, and Philippine General Hospital.