The city government here is targeting to inoculate around 44,000 children aged 5 to 11 years old against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

This was announced during the launching of its Covid-19 vaccination for children at the SM City Pampanga on Friday.

“We have 44,000 target population for ‘Resbakuna Kids’, pero for today’s launching nasa 300 to 350 slots yung nakaready natin basta pre-registered at naka schedule today (but for today’s launching, we have readied 300 to 350 slots for pre-registered and those scheduled today),” said Dr. Iris Muñoz, the manager of the City’s National Immunization Program (NIP), during the launch.

Mayor Edwin Santiago welcomed the children, parents, and guests including Secretary Vince Dizon, Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, and Governor Dennis Pineda.

He said the event symbolizes the city’s continued strong fight against Covid-19.

“Ang tagal nating hinintay na dumating ang pagkakataong ito, ang mabakunahan ang ating mga anak (We have waited this opportunity for our children be vaccinated for so long),” Santiago said.

Children from different villages in the city received their first dose of Pfizer, the only vaccine brand that received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration for younger children.

The vaccination venue at the SM mall adopted a birthday party theme to delight the children.

After receiving the vaccine, the kids proceeded to the post-vaccination area for monitoring of any possible adverse effects.

They were also given free paracetamol, popcorn and cotton candies by the SM City Pampanga.

Muñoz said the parents or guardians must present a photocopy of each child’s birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Office, school ID, or barangay certification with photo when bringing their kids for vaccination.

Children must be pre-registered to get their Quick Response or QR codes which will be presented to their respective barangays for scheduling.

The city’s mega vaccination sites are Heroes Hall, Our Lady of Fatima University, SM City Telabastagan, and Waltermart.

The local government also plans to conduct vaccination at SM San Fernando Downtown in the coming days.

Meanwhile, children with comorbidities must present their medical certificate and will be inoculated at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital Medical Center (JBLMGHMC).

Dr. Monserrat Chichioco, chief of JBLMGHMC, said parents should not worry about the vaccine as it is safe and tested for the children.

“Ito po ang magiging daan sa mga anak natin para makabalik sila sa normal na pamumuhay. Ito po ay part ng social and mental development ng ating mga anak (This will pave the way for our children to get back to normal lives. This is part of the social and mental development of our children),” Chichioco said. (PNA)