DAVAO CITY, Oct 19 (PIA) -  The Department of Health XI (DOH XI) is optimistic that Davao Region will be included in the Phase 3 implementation of the vaccination for individuals aged 12 to 17 years old with comorbidities by November this year.

DOH XI Vaccination Program Focal Dr. Janis Olavides said that currently, vaccination is still done in the National Capital Region (NCR). Phase 3 of implementation will then follow including all regions which have exceeded 50% of their target senior citizen population.

As of October 18, the Davao region has already covered 47% of the target number of senior citizens to be vaccinated. The local government units (LGUs) have been informed to strategize more to capture the unvaccinated senior citizens.

DOH XI also announced that 12 to 17 years old individuals with comorbidities may heed to the instruction of the LGU as to the mechanics if masterlisting or pre-registration is still needed.

While waiting for the green light for the pediatric vaccination in the region, the DOH XI stressed that the vaccination roll out is being implemented on a phased approach as determined by the National Vaccination Operation Center (NVOC).

The first phase covers selected hospitals in the NCR; second phase covers hospitals as identified by the 17 LGUs of the NCR; third phase covers all hospitals region-wide once the region reached 50% and more regional vaccination coverage of fully vaccinated senior citizens; and fourth phase covers to regions utilizing regular vaccination sites.

Also, the NVOC guidelines enumerated documents required for the individual to present before getting vaccinated. These requirements include a medical certification duly signed by an attending pediatrician/physician; proof of filiation or relationship between the minor and the accompanying adult or other supporting document proving authority to give informed consent or assent; and valid identification cards. (PIA XI/FGM)