MANILA, Philippines — Immunocompromised adolescents, form ages 12-17, will be prioritized for vaccines against COVID-19. The pilot vaccination program for this age group is scheduled to start on October 15, 2021.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines, along with the DOH, has issued guidelines for the pilot run. The adolescent must present his or her parent’s signed consent to receive the jabs. Additionally, they must also present a valid medical certificate that indicates their comorbidity.
Accepted comorbidities include the following: (1) Medical Complexity, (2) Genetic conditions, (3) Neurologic conditions, (4) Metabolic/endocrine, (5) Cardiovascular disease, (6) Obesity, (7) HIV infection, (8) Tuberculosis, (9) Chronic respiratory disease, (10) Renal disorders, and (11) Hepatobiliary conditions.
Six hospitals that will serve as vaccination sites for ages 12-17. Hospitals included in this initial list are: the Philippine General Hospital, the Philippine Heart Center, the National Children’s Hospital, the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Fe Del Mundo Medical Center, and Pasig City Children’s Hospital.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted that immunocompromised adolescents will be receive either Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. These two brands have received approval for minors from local regulators. Vergeire also mentioned that hospitals will allow the monitoring of children for adverse reactions.