Gov’t secures 15 million Pfizer-BioNTech doses for ages 5–11

The national government has secured 15 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to inoculate children aged 5 to 11 years old against COVID-19, National Task Force adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa said Tuesday.

"We procured 15 million doses of Pfizer for children which will arrive in January and February," said Herbosa at the sidelines of the arrival of 367,380 Pfizer vaccine doses in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

"So hopefully, we will be able to start vaccinating the 5 to 11 years old," he added.

Last December 23, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) greenlighted the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the age group.

The formulation for children ages five to 11 comes in a vial with an orange cap and a label with an orange border. They will receive two doses of 10 micrograms each, compared to 30 micrograms per dose for adults.

The FDA also previously said the government is eyeing to start vaccinating children in this age group early next year.

The Philippines' COVID-19 vaccination program started in March, but the vaccination of minors only started in November, beginning with children aged 12 to 17.

Government data indicates that more than 47 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 while more than 1.4 million Filipinos have received booster doses. — BM, GMA News