A HEALTH expert on Tuesday underscored the importance of vaccinating adolescents, saying they also need protection from Covid19.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Edsel Salvaña said the pediatric inoculation that the government has just rolled out will prevent teenagers from getting the coronavirus disease.

“Important na unahin natin ang mga kabataan natin, 12-17 years old, even before we think about boosters. Kasi alam natin na puwede pa mahawa ang mga bata at makahawa ng mga nakararami,” Salvaña said during the Malacañang press briefing.

“As long as ma-protect natin ‘yung vulnerable population natin, makakabuti pa rin na i-vaccinate natin ‘yung mga bata para mas kaunti ‘yung madapuan ng virus,” he said.

However, younger children will have to wait because other countries are still studying the vaccines to be used for those below 12 years of age.

The government will start the vaccination of minors aged 12 to 17 with or without comorbidities on November 3.