BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Bontoc municipal government, through the Municipal Health Office (MHO) kicked off the Resbakuna Kids (5-11-year-old) February 21, 2022 in an Encanto-inspired vaccination rollout.
As of February 23, 2022, a total of 306 children aged 5 -11 years old have received their COVID-19 vaccine shots.
According to Municipal Health Officer Diga Kay Gomez, they designed the vaccination site at the Municipal Capitol Auditorium with the latest Disney animated film Encanto to ease the anxiety of children who are to be inoculated. Likewise, loot bags were given to the first 110 children who received their jabs.
Dr. Gomez is encouraging the parents or guardians to have their children ages 5-11 vaccinated for their safety and protection. Vaccination for the said age group is at the Municipal Capitol Auditorium while the vaccination area for age 12 and above is at the Municipal Capitol lobby.
According to Municipal Immunization Program Coordinator Oliver Gacusana, they did not receive any reports of adverse effects from the parents and children following immunization, which include rashes in the extremities, itchy throat, vomiting, and pain in the site with chills.
In an interview with 11-year old Amrylee Kaye Baysa from Barangay Caluttit she said she willingly got vaccinated for her to attend limited face-to-face classes. Meanwhile, Joy Baysa who accompanied her daughter mentioned that the COVID-19 vaccine is for the protection and safety of her child. She added that getting her child vaccinated is in preparation for the limited face-to-face classes.
Seven-year-old Kalel Bacwaden from Bontoc Ili bravely mentioned that he did not feel any pain after he received his COVID-19 vaccine jab. He added that he wanted to get vaccinated so he may travel with his aunt.
In a separate interview, Mayor Franklin Odsey expressed happiness for the high and positive response from the parents and guardians for allowing their children to get vaccinated. Likewise, he lauded the children for their courage.
Also, the mayor lauded the health workers of the municipal government and its partner agencies for exerting relentless efforts in the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. The partner agencies of the municipal government during the launching of the Resbakuna Kids (5-11 years old) are the Department of Health–Provincial Office, Provincial Health Office, Bontoc General Hospital, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Education, and Philippine National Police.
To date, the Pfizer vaccine is being used for pediatric vaccination as it is the only jab that has received emergency use approval for kids aged 5 to 11 years old from the Food and Drug Administration.
The Pfizer vaccine for children has a lower dosage and lower concentration than those given to minors aged 12 to 17, who started receiving their jabs last year.
By Alpine Killa-Malwagay & Elizabeth S. Farnican
