THE GOVERNMENT will start vaccinating children aged 12 to 17 with comorbidities on October 15, the Department of Health said on Wednesday.

“For the initial run, we recommend that children with comorbidities will be vaccinated in selected sites with clearance from their pediatricians or trained doctors, or for far-flung or Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas, with clearance from on-site trained physicians guided by a checklist from the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

She said that parents or guardians should give their consent. They should also present a medical certificate proving the minor has comorbidities.

Since the National Capital Region has an “impressive vaccination coverage,” Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said the government plans to roll out pediatric vaccination in Metro Manila.

“We hope to release by next week iyong ating operational guidelines (for the vaccination). So, pagkatapos ng dalawang linggo, ito iyong test run, dadalhin na natin sa iba’t ibang rehiyon. Umpisahan ang pagbakuna sa mga may comorbidities,” Cabotaje explained.

Vergeire said the inoculation will be expanded once adequate coverage of the A2 priority group or senior citizens has been achieved nationwide and vaccine supply becomes sufficient to include children.

“We have to ensure that children have equitable access to vaccines. Eventually, as we get more local experience, we will be able to retool our current vaccinators on the additional precautionary steps on screening and vaccine administration,” Vergeire said.

The Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines has allowed the emergency use of Pfizer’s and Moderna’s Covid19 vaccines for minors aged 12 to 17.