Anti-COVID vaccination kicks off in public schools

In a report from the City Information Office (CIO), Dr. Michelle Schlosser, the spokesperson of the Davao City COVID-19 Task Force said the city launched the school-based vaccination to increase the number of vaccinees in the pediatric population, particularly in the five to 11 years old bracket, which she said, remains low.

"Gamay ra nagapabakuna labi na sa five to 11. Sa 12 to 17, they are eligible for booster doses na kasi. Kung pila ang number sa fully vaccinated na mga 12 to 17, dapat mao pud tong number sa atong booster doses,” she said.

As of November 10, the Vaccination Cluster reported that with a target population of 188,385 in the five to 11 years old age group, only 19.17 percent (36,114) received the first dose. Of this number, at least 15.22 percent (28,680) got their second dose of the anti-COVID-19 vaccine.

In the 12 to 17 population, only 6,347 received their first booster shots among the 142,369 fully vaccinated individuals.

She however said the school-based vaccination is also open to private schools. She said private schools that want to avail of the vaccination can make a request and coordinate with the  Davao City COVID-19 Task Force Vaccination Cluster. 

“Rest assured you will be attended as soon as possible,” Schlosser said.

"Tutukan nato ang pagpataas sa number of vaccinees sa atoang pediatric population labi na karon wala gyud ta'y choice but to have face-to-face classes," Schlosser said.

Schlosser reiterated the need for children attending face-to-face classes to get vaccinated to protect them from contracting severe to critical types of COVID-19.

She also reminded parents, grandparents, and guardians to remind their children to always wear face masks while attending classes, except when eating or drinking, to protect them from COVID-19 and possibly bringing the infection back to their homes, which could put vulnerable family members at risk.

Schlosser said children will be more susceptible to contracting the virus and acquiring severe or critical COVID-19 symptoms, especially after the lifting of social distancing and with the face mask policy now optional for indoors and outdoors, except in medical and health facilities where it is mandatory.

Schlosser advises the children to make the wearing of  face mask as a habit. She also urged parents to have their children vaccinated.