Lawmaker to schools, LGUs: Prepare for rollout of COVID booster shot for minors aged 12-17

(REUTERS file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday urged local government units (LGUs) and schools to prepare for the rollout of the COVID-19 booster shot for minors under the 12 to 17 age group.

“This is to ensure efficient identification, inoculation, and monitoring of learners who are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier approved the booster dose administration against COVID-19 to minors aged 12 to 17.

Gatchalian pointed out that the booster shot will give the minors another layer of protection as the Department of Education (DepEd) eyes the full resumption of face-to-face classes in August.

The senator also underscored that minors must be protected amid an increase in new COVID-19 cases nationwide.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian (Senate PRIB file photo / Albert Calvelo)

“Ngayong makakatanggap na ng mga booster shots ang ating mga menor de edad o ‘yong mga nasa edad na 12 hanggang 17, dapat nang maghanda ang mga lokal na pamahalaan at mga paaralan upang maging maayos ang ating sistema ng pagbabakuna,” the senator said.

(Now that minors aged 12 to 17 can receive booster shots, the local government and schools must prepare for a smooth, orderly vaccination system.)

“Mahalagang gawin natin ang lahat ng hakbang upang matiyak natin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga mag-aaral sa kanilang pagbabalik sa face-to-face classes,” he added.

(It is important to carry out measures that will  ensure the safety of our students as they return to their face-to-face classes.) – Iliana Padigos, INQUIRER.net intern

gsg/abc