QUEZON CITY -- Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Acting Secretary Emmanuel Rey R. Caintic’s 7-year-old daughter, Reese, was inoculated at the “Resbakuna Kids”: Vaccination Rollout against COVID-19 for 5-11 year-old children on February 8, 2022. Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III personally led the administration of the shots for the kids during the ceremonial vaccination.

Secretary Caintic also conducted a spot inspection of the vaccination site on the same day. The vaccination drive was organized by the Metro Manila Center for Health and was conducted at the SM Megamall, Event Center Building A in Mandaluyong City.

“With the arrival of the vaccines for the younger pediatric population, the government emphasizes the value of getting vaccinated in order to provide an important layer of protection for your child, your family, and the entire Filipino nation,” Caintic said.

“Your Department of Information and Communications Technology commits to continually support all government agencies and partner stakeholders in our fight against COVID-19,” he added.

The Department of Health (DOH) coordinated with the Local Government Unit (LGU) as well as private sector partners—including SM Supermalls, Jollibee Food Corporation, and McDonald’s Philippines—to formally launch the vaccination drive. This is in line with the successful implementation of the vaccination for adolescents during the 4th quarter of 2021. 

The Philippine government started vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 against COVID-19 on Monday, February 7, 2022. Presently, only the Pfizer vaccine is being used for the vaccination due to its emergency use approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The country likewise began vaccinating 12 to 17-year-olds on October last year.

“Pagbabakuna ang isa sa mga solusyon para tuluyang masugpo ang pandemyang kinakaharap ng ating bansa at ng buong mundo. That is why I would like to take this opportunity to ask everyone to still encourage individuals who are yet to be vaccinated,” Caintic asserted.

When asked about her experience on receiving the vaccine, Reese said that “it didn’t hurt at all” and that she wanted to be vaccinated “to be safe, to protect my loved ones, and also so I can go out and see my friends again soon!” Reese also stated that she wanted to go swimming in the beach with her family. (DOST)