The city government here will administer booster shots to minor residents aged 12 years to 17 years in the six rural health units (RHUs) starting August 8.

Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. said Thursday the move aims to make the booster vaccination against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) more accessible to minors based on the guidelines set by the Department of Health (DOH).

To ensure the vaccination’s smooth flow, Lazatin said doctors, nurses, and health workers would be assigned to the RHUs.

Dr. Verona Guevarra, head of the City Health Office, said eligible for the booster shots are minors who had been fully vaccinated five months earlier.

Based on the guidelines, upon booster vaccination, the minors, accompanied by their parents or legal guardians, should present their vaccination cards.

The parents/legal guardians, meanwhile, must bring their valid government-issued ID indicating residency in the city, as well as proof of filiation, such as a birth certificate certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority or Local Civil Registrar.

Guevarra advised minors to have a proper meal before receiving their booster shot.

Minors who are immunocompromised must present a medical certificate to the attending physician at the RHU located along Fajardo Street, Barangay Lourdes Sur East.

Medical prescription or other documents related to the minor’s medical condition must be brought by the parents or legal guardian.

If both parents of the minor are not in the country or do not have the means to accompany the minor, an affidavit of guardianship or special power of attorney must be presented.

In the case of minors who are differently abled, their ID should be presented.

Solo parents should also present their ID as proof.

Parents or legal guardians who are not yet vaccinated can also get their vaccine on the same day, Guevarra added.

As of July 27, the city has logged 83 active Covid-19 cases, 17 of which are new. (PNA)