Pfizer commits 30M COVID-19 vaccine doses for kids aged 5 to 11

KIDDIE VAX A guardian inquires about the vaccination program for children age 5 to 11 at Manila Zoo, one of the sites chosen for the jabs. The plan has been postponed from Friday to Monday next week because the Pfizer doses will not arrive on time. —RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — US drugmaker Pfizer has already committed 30 million COVID-19 vaccine doses for children aged five to 11, the Department of Health (DOH) said Saturday.

“Meron po, that’s why 30 million —15 million, times two [doses]… Nakacommit na po ito sa atin and mayroon na po tayong pondo at nakapagnegotiate na po tayo,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a DZBB interview when asked if there is already commitment from Pfizer for sufficient vaccine doses for the said age group.

(Yes, that’s why there are 30 million—15 million times two…. This number of doses has been committed to us and we already have funds. We have already negotiated for it.)

Vergeire said the country has around 15 million minors aged five to 11.

The pediatric vaccination for this age group was supposed to start on February 4 but  was rescheduled to February 7 due to logistical issues.

Over 780,000 doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 arrived in the country on Friday night.

Vergeire said more vaccine doses will come in tranches.

EDV