The Quezon City government continues to encourage parents and guardians to have their children 5 to 11 years old vaccinated against the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a message to the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday, Dr. Malu Eleria, Action Officer of the QC Task Force Vax to Normal, said it is important that like adult family members, children should also have protection against Covid-19.

“Huwag nating i-deprive ang ating mga anak ng extra protection katulad ng naibigay na proteksyon sa ating adult population. Ang bakuna ay nakakatulong para maiawasan ang malubhang pagkakasakit o kamatayan (Let us not deprive our children of the extra protection like the protection to the adult population. The vaccine helps to avoid severe infection or even death,” she said.

The parents thanked the city government for its efforts to help their children feel relaxed at the vaccination sites through freebies, mascot, magic show, and attractive setup of the vaccination area.

“Thank you po Mayor Joy Belmonte. Hindi po nila naramdaman ang sakit ng vaccine dahil sobrang naaliw sila sa hinanda nyo pong sorpresa sa mga bata, super happy po mga bata para na din sila namasyal (Thank you Mayor Joy Belmonte. The kids did not feel the pain from the vaccine at all because they were so amazed by the surprises you have prepared for them, they are so happy as if they enjoyed strolling,” Jhela Raymundo said in a Facebook post.

Vaccination recipient Mitch Kyle Garcia said she enjoyed the ice cream and toys.

Parents also appreciated the well-prepared vaccination sites at the SM Skydome and Eton Centris.

As of Tuesday evening, the city government has vaccinated 3,585 children aged 5 to 11 years old.

To register their children for the Covid-19 pediatric vaccination, parents must go to the QC Vax Easy website at https://qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph/qcvaxeasy and click the “Register for a Vaccination”.

The city government said parents must create a separate account for every child that they will register. (PNA)