TO PROTECT their children from the coronavirus disease, parents have to be vaccinated against Covid19, a pediatric group said on Monday.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines said that the increase in Covid19 cases among minors depends on the number of infected adults.

Because of this, PSID president Dr. Mary Ann Bunyi expressed the importance of vaccines to adults.

“Ikutan po natin ng mga matatanda na may bakuna na ang mga batang hindi pa po maaaring mabakunahan. Kahit papaano po mayroon indirect protection na makukuha,” Bunyi said.

So far, the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines has only allowed the emergency use of Pfizer and Moderna Covid19 vaccine for minors aged 12 to 17.

Bunyi noted that FDA vaccine experts are still conducting a thorough analysis of these vaccines to ensure the safety of children.

“Ang ebidensiya po sa ibang bansa, ligtas ang mga bakuna para sa mga bata. Mabisa rin ang bakuna para sa mga bata. Napag-aralan ito sa ibang bansa,” Bunyi said, adding that clinical trial for minors in the country has not yet started.

She advised adults to always follow health precautions such as wearing face masks and face shields, as well as avoiding congested areas.

“Pagdating naman sa bahay, ang mask ay nailagay sa tamang lalagyan at malinis na sila bago makisalamuha sa pamilya,” Bunyi added.