MARAWI CITY (PIA)--A total of 119 minors in Lanao del Sur have received their first jab against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) during the launching of the national pediatric vaccination in the province.
The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) kicked off the pediatric vaccination drive for minors aged 12 to 17 years old at Wao District Hospital in the municipality of Wao on Friday, November 12.
IPHO chief Dr. Alinader D. Minalang said the pediatric vaccination is part of the continuing efforts of the government to stop the spread of Covid-19
“Protecting our children through Covid-19 vaccination is an important step to prepare our community to go back to normalcy," he said.
He also assured parents that the Covid-19 vaccines are very safe for children and have been widely used among young population groups around the world.
The minors were inoculated with the Moderna vaccine which was given emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration for 12 to 17 years old.
No serious adverse events following immunization were also observed during the vaccination drive.
A minor poses a peace sign after getting his first jab of Moderna vaccine during the launching of the pediatric vaccination in Wao District Hospital. (IPHO-LDS)
Mayor Elvino B. Balicao Jr. attended the launching and urged his people to support the vaccination program of the government.
“Suportahan po natin ang COVID-19 vaccination program upang bumalik na tayo sa normal, upang bumalik na ang ating mga anak sa face-to-face classes nila,” he said.
[Let's support the COVID-19 vaccination program so that we can return to normal and our children can return to their face-to-face classes.]
He also shared his plan of offering incentives to encourage those who are still hesitant to get their Covid-19 shots.
Among the 39 municipalities in Lanao del Sur, Wao registered the most number of persons vaccinated with 12,789 vaxxed individuals as of November 7, 2021. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)
