MANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH), together with the Vaccine Cluster, will begin the nationwide rollout of COVID-19 vaccination among all children aged 12 to 17 starting November 3.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there are around 12.7 million children aged 12 to 17 in 2021. As of October 26, 18,666 minors with comorbidities received their first dose of vaccine during the initial phase of the pediatric vaccination in the NCR.

“Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will still be used among children during the nationwide rollout. Further details and the guidelines with regard to the nationwide expansion of pediatric vaccination will be released once finalized,” said DOH Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire.

Meanwhile, the DOH continues to urge the adult population, especially those belonging to priority groups A2 and A3, to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to achieve the cocoon effect which protects the children at home. The Department further emphasizes that choosing to get vaccinated will not only protect the person itself but also those around, along with the strict and religious adherence to minimum public health standards (MPHS) and other preventive measures implemented. (DOH)