THE SLOW rollout of COVID-19 vaccination among minors is disturbing. The Department of Health and the Department of Education must to ramp up vaccine rollout among minors in time for the 100% face-to-face classes.
According to reports as of March 7 of this year, 2.46 kids aged 5-11 and 9.7 million aged 12-17 minors have been fully vaccinated. Not impressive figures.
Vaccination has been the most effective way to protect ourselves and our children from severe COVID-19 infection. Ramping up vaccine rollout for kids and minors in time for the government’s plan for 100% face-to-face classes will provide children extra protection from the virus.
It seems that DepEd and the DOH need to think of a way to bring the vaccine closer to the youth and community. Let’s make vaccines more accessible rather than just waste them and letting them expire unused.
We urge the Department of Health to also release updated numbers on the status of the vaccine rollout for kids and minors. The Department of Education, on the other hand, should encourage parents to have their children vaccinated with information dissemination and assistance as to where they can get their vaccines.
It’s so ironic that there are so many expired COVID-19 vaccines but there are still so many unvaccinated people who want to get vaccinated.
Vaccines are still our most effective weapon against the severe effects of COVID-19. Let’s make sure that our citizens who want and are eligible to be vaccinated have access to vaccines so that our young people can return to schools more safely.
