Gov't targets to vaccinate 0-4 years old before end-June —Galvez

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday said the government is eyeing to vaccinate against COVID-19 around 11.11 million children aged 0 to 4 years old before the end of June.

During President Rodrigo Duterte’s Talk to the People, Galvez said the government targets to inoculate 90 million Filipinos before the end of June which include the youngest age group.

“Ito po ang ating mga objectives: Unang-una (These are our objectives: First), to vaccinate 90 million Filipinos before the end of June 2022. Number two, provide 72.16 million boosters for adult population ages from 18 years old and above. Number three, vaccinate 12.74 million or 12-17 years old with boosters,” he said.

“Number four, bakunahan din po natin ang (we will also vaccinate) 15.56 million na 5-11 years old with boosters. And also, we will vaccinate 11.11 million na 0-4 years old with primary series,” he added.

Galvez said they are making contingencies to secure a supply of COVID-19 vaccines for 0-4 years old as COVID-19 vaccine brands with formulation for children are only limited, which, he said, will create shortage in the first quarter.

“Iyong children formulation na 5-11 years might be available by the end of January,” he said.

“Ito po 'yung last ano po namin contact po namin sa ating mga manufacturer (This is our last contact to our manufacturers) and we are now making some contingencies to acquire doses that we need to include the ages 0-4 years old,” he added.

Galvez said the national government still needs to purchase 26 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 years old.

The Philippines has vaccinated 52 million Filipinos and has 100 million doses stockpiled. —KG, GMA News