“Good turnout” on day 1 of vaccination for kids

CEBU, Philippines —  A “very good turnout” was noted on the first day of “Resbakuna Kids” for children aged 5-11 in Metro Cebu.

The pediatric vaccination against COVID-19 for 5-11 age group was formally launched by the Department of Health (DOH)-7 in coordination with the municipal government of Consolacion at SM City Consolacion yesterday.

DOH-7 chief pathologist Dr. Mary Jean Loreche said the launching was very successful.

“Very good, good turnout for our day 1,” she said.

The record shows at least 160 children were vaccinated against COVID-19 in Consolacion yesterday.

Consolacion Mayor Joannes Alegado, in his message during the ceremonial launching, said that vaccinating kids aged 5-11 year olds is another huge leap forward in the government’s aspiration to finally end the pandemic considering that the young ones are considered vulnerable.

“Recognizing the havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the last two years, I cannot overemphasize the value of our collective efforts as one united community in mitigating and battling this unprecedented global health issue. While it is true that the observance of minimum public health standards shall be followed, I would like to emphasize that in order to rise above this crisis, there is a need to devise and engage in solutions that are long term,” the mayor said.

Alegado said that he appreciate the efforts of medical science experts in developing the vaccines that are indeed the key towards reaching the end of this dark tunnel we have went through over the last two years.

“True enough, the vaccination program which we commenced approximately a year ago has indeed helped us battle the pandemic. It has provided those who got vaccinated protection and immunity, helping us cope with the recent surge of cases of the Omicron variant,” Alegado said.

“Most importantly, vaccination has somehow made the fast spread more manageable,” he added.

Yesterday’s pediatric vaccination in Consolacion was more fun for vaccinees with the presence of Mascots.

Political mascots

In some areas, however, the activity was a perfect opportunity for local officials to campaign and promote the candidates they are supporting in the upcoming elections.

Mascots sporting hoodies emblazoned with the initials of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos, Jr. and his runningmate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, were visible at the Talisay City College where the vaccination for children was held.

Gullas said he just wants a festive atmosphere at the vaccination site to appease the children who were mostly afraid to be vaccinated.

 “Ako lang ihangyo ang mga parents na pasabton ang ilang mga anak. I think dako kaayo ang role sa mga parents karon sa pagpasabot sa mga anak nga importante kaayo ni…maminaw man gyud ng mga anak nato,” said Gullas.

In Mandaue City, Mayor Jonas Cortes visited the vaccination site at Parkmall to support the children.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Junard Chan also visited the vaccination site at Lapu-Lapu City Central School. Some nurses dressed up like children’s favorite characters such as Spiderman, Cinderella, Snow White, etc. As of 12 noon, more 300 children were already vaccinated in Lapu-Lapu City.

The city government treated them with ice cream and their favorite food from a well-known fastfood chain.

Cebu City

Meanwhile, Cebu City will begin its pediatric vaccination for children aged 5-11 tomorrow at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) and Ayala Center Cebu.

City Health officer-in-charge Jeffrey Ibones said walk-ins are not allowed and reminded the parents or guardians to wait for the text from the CEBUCITYVAX regarding the schedule of their children. This is to avoid congestion inside the sites intended for the said population.

The city’s target on its first day is to vaccinate around 200 to 250 children of the said age group at the CCSC and around 100 to 150 children at Ayala. Ibones said so far, there are 7,394 children aged 5-11 registered through pabakunata.com.

Mayor Michael Rama directed that the sites should give out an impression to the kids that they are attending a “children’s party” as it is expected that some of them may not feel comfortable when they see a vaccine.

Rama said the city is seriously preparing for this so that “it will not create any uneasiness to our children.”

He added that the vaccination sites must also keep the children safe.

“It should be more or less an environment that will not spawn problems of contamination of another kind of sickness. That should be a very sensitive matter,” said Rama.

Rama said vaccination against COVID-19 to children aged 5-11 is a “priority”.

“Kabalo man ta nga scientifically, makita nimo atong Omicron ang mga nangaigo, mga unvaccinated, unya ang mga data, niabot na gali sa mga bata. So, the more nga importante kaayo nga mabakunahan jud ang mga bata,” said Rama.

“It takes more of a parent being a leader sa ilahang household, then the rest will follow, within the household and even diha sa ilang neighborhood,” the mayor reminded. — Decemay Padilla and Mary Ruth R. Malinao, FPL (FREEMAN)