More than 9 million minors aged 12 to 17 years old have already completed their twin Covid-19 doses while 91,000 aged 5 to 11 have availed of initial shots as of Monday.

There have been no reported serious adverse events following vaccination in the country, according to National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

“Wala po kayong dapat ikabahala (You have nothing to worry about),” Galvez said at a vaccination activity for the 5-11 age group at the Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City.

Inoculation of the youngest age bracket began February 7 using the lower-dosed Pfizer jab.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said vaccinating children will allow them to go out and attend physical classes and restore social skills development and cognitive function affected by the pandemic.

“Ako po ay nananawagan sa lahat ng mga magulang sa buong Pilipinas na sige na po, samantalahin na po natin ang pagkakataong ito. Libre, ligtas, epektibo, dekalidad, ang lahat po ng ating mga bakuna (I am appealing to all the parents in the country to avail of this opportunity. All vaccines are free, safe, effective, and of good quality),” he said.

Duque noted that not one among an estimated 8.7 million fully vaccinated children in other countries reported serious side effects.

In the Philippines, Duque said less than 1 percent of vaccinated children experienced mild fever, headache, itchiness, and pain on the injected arm.

So far, 482 hospital and non-hospital sites for pediatric vaccination are operating nationwide, 82 of which are located in Metro Manila.

“Hindi po kumpleto ang proteksyon ng pamilya kung si bunso ay hindi bakunado. Ngayon, pwede na tayong mag-staycation at bumisita sa ibang areas dahil bakunado na sina lolo, lola, tatay at nanay, kuya at ate, at si bunso (Vaccination is not complete if the youngest has no jab yet. Once everyone is vaccinated, going on staycation and visiting other areas are already possible),” Galvez said. (PNA)