Health authorities in the Soccsksargen (Region 12) and the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) expressed hope Monday to reach their targets for pediatric inoculation with the help of parents.
Dr. Aristides Concepcion-Tan, the Department of Health (DOH-12) regional director, said the role of parents in the health program of the government is crucial.
“The vaccine is very safe for children aged 5-11 years old,” Tan said.
Also, a health official of the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) here said she believes the vaccination program for children is ensuring their safety as the country slowly returns to normalcy, including face-to-face classes.
“Protecting our children means protecting the hope of our motherland, protecting our children means we can allow them to live the new normal way of life so that they can reach their full potentials,” Dr. Bai Shamirah Singgon, CRMC pediatric department head, said.
Cotabato City is one of the pilot areas for pediatric inoculation in the country.
Forty-two children have availed of the first dose of Pfizer vaccines and they will have their second those three weeks after to complete the primary dosage for vaccination, according to Tan.
Target for pedia vaccination in Region 12 is 754,224 while 795,012 for BARMM.
“I hope we can hit the target with the active participation of parents and guardians,” Tan said.
He said vaccination will continue on Monday afternoon in various parts of the region for the three-day Bayanihan, Bakunahan vaccination rollout.
Soccsksargen region is comprise of the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani; and the cities of Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bashary Latiph, BARMM health minister, said the vaccination of children came in timely as the Department of Education is on the verge of resuming its physical face-to-face classes.
“Get your children vaccinated to protect themselves and people around them,” Latiph said.
BARMM comprises the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Cotabato, Marawi and Lamitan.
Source: Philippines News Agency
