CSFP launches pedia vaxx
San Fernando launches COVID-19 vaccination for 5-11 age group The local government unit of San Fernando launched its COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 years old on February 18, 2022 at SM City Pampanga.
“Ang tagal nating hinintay na dumating ang pagkakataong ito, ang mabakunahan ang ating mga anak,” said Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago during the launch.
Santiago welcomed children, parents and guests that included Secretary Vince Dizon, Presidential Adviser for Flagship Programs and Projects and Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19; Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda; Dr. Monserrat Chichioco, Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital Medical Center Chief; Dr. Amelito Nicolas, Development Management Officer; and Engr. Junias Eusebio, AVP for Operations-North Region, SM Supermalls. “Ang araw na ito ay simbolo po ng patuloy na pagiging matibay ng Siyudad San Fernando sa paglaban sa COVID-19,” Santiago added.
Children from different villages in the city received their first dose of Pfizer, the only vaccine brand that received emergency use authorization from the Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration.
According to Dr. Iris Muñoz, the City’s National Immunization Program (NIP) Manager, the local government targets to inoculate around 44,000 children aged 5 to 11 years old. “We have 44,000 na target population for Resbakuna Kids, pero for today’s launching nasa 300 to 350 slots yung nakaready natin basta pre-registered at naka schedule today,” Muñoz explained.
In partnership with the SM City Pampanga, the vaccination site looked like a birthday party for kids to catch the attention of the children. After receiving the vaccine, the children proceeded to the post vaccination area for monitoring for any adverse effects.
They were also given free paracetamols, snacks like popcorn and cotton candies sponsored by SM City Pampanga. Muñoz said the parents or guardians must present a photocopy of each child’s birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Office, school ID or barangay certification with photo.
Children must be pre-registered to get their QR codes which will be presented to their respective barangays for scheduling.
“Nakabase kasi ‘yan sa ipapadalang bakuna ng national [government] kaya habang hinihintay natin ang roll out, pwede namang mag-register muna online at magpalista sa barangay para kapag nag-open na ang mga mega vaccination sites natin, sa barangay tayo kukuha ng listahan,” said Munoz.
The City’s mega vaccination sites are at Heroes Hall, Our Lady of Fatima University, SM City Telabastagan, and Waltermart.
The local government also plans to conduct vaccination at SM San Fernando Downtown in the coming days.
Children with comorbities must present their medical certificate and they will be inoculated at the JBLMGH.
“May partnership naman po tayo with JBL, once na may nakita tayo sa mga barangay na may comorbid ay ire-refer natin sila doon para dun sila mabakunahan. Safe tayo doon sa mga may comorbids dahil sa hospital mismo. Ang paalala lang po namin na i-konsulta po muna ninyo sa mga pediatrician nila bago sila pabakunahan,” Muñoz added.
Dr. Chichioco said parents should not worry about the vaccines as it is safe and tested for the children. “Ito po ang magiging daan sa mga anak natin para makabalik sila sa normal na pamumuhay. Ito po ay part ng social and mental development ng ating mga anak,” Chichioco said.
The local government of San Fernando, through its City Health Office headed by Dr. Carlos Mercado, will post updates and information regarding the schedule of vaccination. (CSFP CIO)
