THE PHILIPPINE Medical Association expressed its full support to the efforts of the Department of Health and the National Task Force Against Covid19 to vaccinate children aged 5 to 11.

PMA warned parents that coronavirus directly affects children and could put them at risk.

“While it is true that most present as mild or asymptomatic cases, some may develop more serious consequences such as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, and even death,” the group said in a statement.

“The pandemic has adversely affected the growth, mental health, learning and health-seeking behaviors of children and their families,” it added.

The group urged parents to have their kids inoculated, saying that Covid19 jabs for kids were extensively evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

“They have been found to be safe and effective in preventing symptomatic Covid19 and its complications. Providing Covid19 vaccines will help reduce the disease burden in this age group,” the group stressed.

The Philippine FDA earlier approved the use of Pfizer’s Covid19 vaccine for said age bracket.

The vaccines for children will be of lower dosage and concentration than those given to adults.

The PMA also urged parents to discuss their concerns regarding vaccination with healthcare providers.

“The PMA continues to call upon all members of the eligible population groups to exercise good judgment, to obtain and disseminate information only from reputable sources,” it said.