TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The city government rolled out its COVID-19 vaccination program for children aged 5 to 11 during the regular flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall.
Accompanied by their parents and guardians, about 20 children, some of whom were dressed up in superhero costume, participated in the “Resbakuna for Kids” program of the City Health Services Office.
Children of city health officials Dr. Czarina Farida Socalo, Celestina Mia Diasen, and vaccine coordinator Jandel Taguiam were among the kids who bravely took their COVID-19 jab.
A low dose of the Pfizer vaccine is being used for children as it is the only brand that has received emergency use approval for kids aged 5 to 11 years from the Food and Drug Administration.
To entertain the youngsters, toys and food packs from Jollibee sponsored by the Sangguniang Panlungsod members were given out.
Meanwhile, amidst the worries and doubts of parents about the COVID-19 vaccine, Provincial Health Officer Eduardo Tandingan urged parents have their children vaccinated to protect them from the virus and for the city to attain 70 percent herd immunity.
“Iti coverage iti Tabuk tatta panggep iti bakuna ket addan iti 60.26 percent. Adda lang bassiten tapno maala tayo diyay 70 percent nga herd immunity,” he said.
“Hopefully maibaga yo kadagiti neighbors and relatives yo nga addan iti bakuna para iti 5-11 years old,” he added praising the prompt and swift actions of the city officials and health workers for the successful implementation of the vaccination program. By Mae Ann Padilla