ILOILO City – The city government has opened its coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination sites to children from five to 11 year old regardless of their place of residence.
“We are doing our best to expedite the vaccination of minors to give them protection and for them to be ready to go back to school anytime soon when this is allowed,” said Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas.
This southern city started vaccinating children against COVID-19 on Feb. 14.
Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, city COVID focal person, noted the low turnout.
Some parents could not accompany their children to vaccination sites, and most children have online classes on weekdays.
Fortuna said this is also the reason why instead of Mondays and Tuesdays, children’s vaccination wosuld be on Saturdays and Sundays starting next week.
“Next week we will not have pediatric vaccination on Monday and Tuesday,” said Treñas.
A child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, both with proof of relationships such as valid identification card with picture.
For guardians, they must present a certification from the barangay or a special power of attorney as proof of their relationship to the kid.
For kids with co-morbidities, medical certificate as clearance from their doctors must be shown.
Parents or guardians are also advised to bring writing materials like ballpen and use well-fitted face mask and face shield (required in medical settings), alcohol, fan, and water as necessary.
The three vaccination mega sites in Iloilo City are SM City Iloilo, Robinsons Place Jaro and Megaworld./PN
