ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--The Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte started on Thursday, Nov. 4, the inoculation of minors against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), beginning with those with comorbidities aged 12 to 17 years old.
The vaccination was launched at the Kapatagan Provincial Hospital with Department of Health (DOH) Region 10 Director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna Jr. administering the first dose.
The minors were inoculated with Pfizer and Moderna vaccines which were given emergency use approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for youth aged 12 to 17 years old.
According to Llacuna, the move to hasten the vaccination for minors was due to the planned gradual reopening of schools for limited face-to-face classes starting next year.
He also emphasized that vaccination is one of the effective strategies to prevent any infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Frederick Andrei Maliawao of Kapatagan was one of the 125 minors who got the jab during the ceremonial inoculation. He decided to get the vaccine so he could protect himself when face-to-face classes resume.
“Gusto ko magpabakuna for protection para sa pag open sa klase (I want to get vaccinated for protection during the opening of classes)," said the 15-year old Maliawao who is a student of La Salle Academy Iligan.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Marujeta Isabel Lao-Opamen said the vaccination rollout for minors without comorbidities will start on Monday, November 8, at the various vaccination sites of local government units in the province while minors with comorbidities will still be inoculated at the nearest Provincial Hospital.
Meanwhile, Provincial Governor Imelda ‘Angging’ Quibranza Dimaporo appealed for constant cooperation and open-mindedness for this new phase of vaccination.
“We have sufficient supplies for vaccines, so we urge everyone, especially our dear parents, to take advantage of our free vaccination with the Department of Health. It is for the safety of everyone,” she said.
As of the last week of October, Lanao del Norte has fully vaccinated 16.07% of its target population. (APB/PIA Lanao del Norte with reports from PIO-LDN)
