Dagupan holds 1st COVID-19 jabs for 5-11-year-old kids in Pangasinan

Children 5 to 11 years old, with their parents, troop to Dagupan City Astrodome for the pediatric vaccination Monday against COVID-19. | PHOTO: Willie Lomibao

DAGUPAN CITY — This city on Monday held a ceremonial COVID-19 vaccination for children 5 to 11 years old at the Dagupan City Astrodome, with kids mostly of medical frontliners.

The astrodome was brightened with balloons and healthcare workers distributing candies and goodies to the children after the jab.

Mayor Brian Lim thanked the Department of Health for providing the vaccines for the children of Dagupan, the first local government in Pangasinan province to conduct the pediatric vaccination for this age group.

The city had reached herd immunity against COVID-19, and Lim said the pediatric vaccination would help them return to in-person schooling and revive the economy.

“I believe that pediatric vaccination is connected to a full recovery of the economy. If you ask experts and economic managers, they will say pediatric vaccination would pave the way for full [in-person classes]. And if students are out in full force at all levels–from primary to senior high school–we will spur the economy even more,” Lim said.

While children are more resilient to COVID-19 based on scientific studies, the vaccine would give them extra protection, he added.

“I’m asking parents, the Department of Education, and everyone to promote pediatric vaccination because, like all initiatives, many do not understand it. So help spread the word that vaccination is safe and is ongoing,” Lim said.

Dr. John Fernandez, a pediatrician, encouraged parents to have their children vaccinated, saying this would protect them from severe illness. He brought his 8-year-old son to get jabbed that day.

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