A total of 60 minors received their first jab of COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, November 5, as the Iloilo provincial government launched its pediatric vaccination against the deadly virus.

The kickoff activity, which was held at Aleosan District Hospital in Alimodian town, was attended by Department of Health Region 6 (DOH-6) Regional Director Adriano P. Suba-an, Provincial Administrator Atty. Suzette Mamon, Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon, Hospital Management Office head Dr. Paz Calopiz, and chiefs of hospitals.

Quiñon said no adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) were recorded.

“Everyone’s excited. They were nervous at first, but after, they were happy showing off their vaccination card and taking pictures with the backdrop,” she said.

Quiñon said all rural health units and hospitals can now roll out the pediatric vaccination province-wide.

The provincial government targets to vaccinate 227,662 children aged 12-17 years. Only those who pre-registered will be accommodated.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said there is enough supply of vaccines to inoculate the minors.

The provincial government is expecting 51,120 doses of Sinovac, 20,000 Gamaleya, and 10,140 vials of Pfizer.

The governor also continues to appeal to senior citizens and those with comorbidities to have themselves vaccinated.

“If we want our Christmas to be merry and we can do the things we want during Christmas, then we should get vaccinated,” Defensor said./WDJ