KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, (PIA) -- The vaccination of 12 to 17-year olds against coronavirus disease in Soccsksargen Region will start on Friday, an official of the Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) 12 confirmed. 

Speaking at the Information Coordinating Network (ICON) 12  meeting on Wednesday, Mary Agnes Panton, nurse coordinator of the region's immunization program announced that the DOH-CHD 12 will rollout the vaccination of pediatric population on October 29 in selected hospitals across Region 12. 

However, Panton emphasized that minors who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine inoculation in the initial pediatric vaccination rollout are only those with comorbidities or "Pediatric A3" group. 

For this purpose, DOH-CHD XII has designated four  vaccination sites: Dr. Jorge Royeca Hospital in General Santos City;  South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City, South Cotabato;  Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Amas, Kidapawan City; and Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City. 

Based on the "Interim Operational Guidelines on the COVID-19 Vaccination of the Pediatric Population Ages 12-17 years old with comorbidities,"  a vaccine recipient, who shall be accompanied by a parent or guardian, must present a medical certificate detailing his/her comorbidity and duly  by an attending pediatrician or physician.

The adult companion is also required to present any document that will show relationship with the minor vaccine recipient and must sign an informed consent.  

"Without the signed informed consent of the parent/guardian or any individual authorized to exercise as the substitute parental authority, the vaccine recipient  (12-17 years old with comorbidities) shall be deferred for COVID-19 vaccination unless such documentary requirements are accomplished," the guideline states. 

Also, a vaccine recipient who shall not give his/her assent, shall not be coerced to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, it continues. 

"Only Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are allowed for pediatric inoculation," Panton said. "Also, a parent or a guardian must be physically present during the vaccine administration."