SEVERAL local government units in the National Capital Region have opened vaccine registrations for minors aged 12 to 17.

In a Facebook post, the Makati City government said that residents aged 12 to 17 could sign up for vaccination on proudmakatizen.com.

It added that a master list will be created for the vaccination of teenagers.

Caloocan City, on the other hand, will conduct profiling of minors aged 12 to 17 with the help of the Department of Education.

Mayor Oscar Malapitan said the city government should formulate its Covid19 vaccination program for minors. The permission of parents or guardians will be required before a minor is given a jab.

Malapitan added that the vaccination of children could pave the way in the resumption of face-to-face classes.

In Manila, Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso opened the vaccine registration of minors aged 12 to 17 last Saturday, September 11.

Those interested can pre-register at the city government’s Covid19 vaccine registration website at www.manilacovid19vaccine.ph.

“While it is unclear when the national government will allow the administration of vaccines for this certain age group, they may already register for the vaccination,” Domagoso said.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said vaccinating minors is crucial.

“What health experts are now pushing for cannot be achieved in our city if we will not allow children or those below 18 years old to get Covid19 vaccines, and help them as well from getting seriously sick from the virus,” Belmonte said.

She said the city government is ready to vaccinate children as soon as the national government gives its go signal.

“We understand that there is a vaccine shortage at the moment but once our country gets a regular supply of vaccines with FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval for vaccinating 17 and below, we should consider this right away. We need to protect our children given that they are directly or indirectly exposed,” Belmonte said.