THE GOVERNMENT hopes to vaccinate children below 12 years old against Covid19 next year, the Department of Health said.

“We have considered that in our plans for vaccination of below 12 years old,” Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said during an online media forum.

Before expanding the pediatric inoculation to those aged 5 to 11, Cabotaje said that the DoH needs the recommendation of the Health Technology Assessment Council.

“’Yung bakuna na kailangang bilhin na puwede sa below 12 years old, napag-uusapan na iyan at inilagay na ng planners ng ating programa for next year,” she said.

The Philippines started vaccinating minors aged 12 to 17 with comorbidities on October 15.

Local government units began the inoculation of those without comorbidities on Wednesday, November 3.

The DOH earlier said it aims to vaccinate at least 80 percent of the 12.7 million children before yearend.