MORE than 5 million minors aged 12 to 17 have been fully vaccinated against Covid19, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said.

“We are happy that the children, over 8 million of them have been vaccinated and 5.2 million have received a second dose,” Galvez said.

“We are negotiating with Pfizer to expedite the vaccines we ordered for children aged 5 to 11 and hopefully it arrives the second or third week of January. We will start right away once we receive the shipment,” he added.

Vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna were approved by the Philippine Food and Drugs Administration for adolescents.

The Philippines last month approved the use of Pfizer vaccine for kids below 11 years old.

Galvez earlier said that the government secured 15 million doses of Pfizer vaccine that will be delivered in tranches until March.

The Pfizer vaccine for kids will be of lower dosage and concentration than those given to adults.