The Philippine Pediatric Society, Inc. Western Visayas chapter has thrown its support to the ongoing rollout of vaccination for children 5 to 11 years old, which they advocate as the most effective way to prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
A statement, signed by its president, Dr. Teresa C. Martirez-Hallegado, said children at this age group are at a higher risk of developing more severe Covid-19 like the Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) even if their Covid-19 infection is just mild and even asymptomatic.
MIS-C is a condition that can affect almost all of the organs of the body, most especially the heart, the statement released on Tuesday said.
“The child with MIS-C may develop myocarditis or inflammation of the heart. This can develop two to six weeks after a child has Covid-19, even if the infection was mild or asymptomatic,” the statement said.
The Ilonggo doctors also emphasized that vaccination of children 5 to 11 years old is safe.
“Let us show our love for children by giving them additional protection against Covid-19. We also encourage parents and guardians to read and listen only to information from reliable sources regarding Covid-19 infection and vaccination in order to avoid confusion,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, in a virtual presser, Hallegado said that there were no reported adverse events following their monitoring of the rollout in three vaccination sites in the city and two sites from the province of Iloilo on February 14.
The pediatric doctors monitored the inoculation at the SM City, Festive Walk at the Megaworld, and Robinsons Jaro in Iloilo City, and at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) cultural center and Robinsons Mall in Pavia for the rollout of the provincial government.
She said that they have received reports of children crying, which was expected regardless of what type of immunization.
Hallegado added that parents should prepare their kids mentally and emotionally prior the inoculation.
“Be honest with the kids. Prepare them to expect pain during the injection and in the area that will be injected. They should not be afraid and let them understand that it is an added protection,” the doctor said.
The vaccination, Hallegado said, is also the students’ preparation for the new normal to be able to attend face-to-face classes and participate in sports and other social activities that are important in the development of a child or an adolescent.
Dr. Renilyn Reyes, head of the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) Public Health Program Development Cluster, in the same presser said that as for the technical requirements, the children should bring with them their identification cards and proof of affiliation for parents or guardian.
As an alternative, they may bring a secondary identification or ask for a certification from their barangay indicating the name of the child to be vaccinated and the parent or authorized guardian.
The initial rollout of the pediatric vaccination for 5-11 years old in Iloilo province served 2,043 children, Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) head Dr. Maria Socorro Quinon said in an interview on Tuesday.
The province targets to vaccinate 267, 470 children aged 5 to 11 and eyeing to administer 10,000 vaccines within a week.
The Iloilo City government, meanwhile, has vaccinated 290 children.
City Health Office in-charge Annabelle Tang said that the city government will open a weekend vaccination to accommodate more pediatric vaccinees.
Iloilo City targets to inoculate 61, 872 children from the same 5 to 11 age group. (PNA)
