Where To Get COVID-19 Vaccines For Minors
One of the biggest news to have arrived recently is the availably of the COVID-19 vaccine to minors, specifically for those in the 12 to 17 years old age range. I’m honestly one of those who are genuinely happy to hear about this development because I’m a firm believer in the power of vaccines in strengthening one’s immunity. I’ve been very transparent in my stand about vaccination in my previous articles and spreading positive information about it is my little contribution towards the worldwide vaccine education drive. Anyway, vaccinating the Philippine youth is a significant step in achieving herd immunity and hopefully curbing COVID-19.
Where To Get COVID-19 Vaccines For Minors
Vaccines work in preventing diseases
Vaccines do work in strengthening the body’s ability to ward off diseases. That’s because vaccines train the body’s immune system in identifying viruses, thus prompting it to produce antibodies. The next time the body’s immune system encounters these viruses, the body will know how to fight and eradicate them.
I understand that some people have apprehensions when it comes to new vaccines, such as the ones for COVID-19. I was also apprehensive at first but since contracting the dreaded COVID-19 virus myself and giving my family a close call, I figured the advantages of getting the vaccine far outweigh the risks. Thus, I got the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as I received a medical clearance to do so.
If the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available for kids younger than 12 years old, I’ll definitely sign my kids up after getting clearance from their pediatrician.
Vaccination sites for minors in the Philippines
There are currently a limited number of vaccination sites for minors in the Philippines. Nevertheless, the government is working hard to increase the COVID-19 vaccination centers nationwide.
Here are the locations where minors can get their COVID-19 Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, currently the authorized brands for the young ones:
SM Supermalls
It’s reassuring to know that SM Supermalls is doing its fair share in helping Filipinos during this pandemic.
SM Supermalls is the only mall venue partner of the Department of Health (DOH) as it rolled out the second phase of the A3 immunization, starting at SM Megamall last October 21 and at SM Sucat on November 3.
SM Supermalls also recently announced that it has surpassed the five-millionth mark of COVID-19 vaccines and it has opened more SM malls as pediatric vaccination sites outside Metro Manila.
“Breaching the five-millionth mark is a testament to our commitment to providing our communities with accessible and convenient vaccination sites. We thank our partner LGUs for this partnership are happy to provide our malls as pediatric vaccination centers for minors belonging to the 12-17 age group,” said Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls.
A total of 588 youngsters were given their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines during the opening ceremony of Paranaque City LGU’s “Bida Rin ang Bata” vaccination center in SM City Sucat last November 3.
To date, SM Supermalls has vaccinated over 6,000 pediatric constituents in 15 pediatric mall vaccination sites.
Those who were present during the launch were Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 Chief Implementer and Vaccine czar; Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan and Assistant Regional Director Aleli Sudiacial, Department of Health; Paranaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez; Paranaque 1st District Rep. Eric Olivarez; IATF Assistant Regional Director Paz Corrales; Dra. Evangeline Labines, CESO V, School Division Superintendent; and, Dra. Olga Virtusio, Head of Paranaque CHO.
Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez
Mayor Olivarez shared that the local government aims to immunize 70% of their pediatric constituents at the soonest possible time.
“To win the war against COVID-19, we will be working hand-in-hand with our partners, including SM Supermalls, in getting to a pandemic-free Paranaque.” Mayor Olivarez added.
The phased approach to vaccinating the A3 category began last October 15, prioritizing minors with comorbidities. DOH emphasized that the rollout of inoculation among children and minors was needed to help the country achieve herd immunity.
“We heal as one,” said Dr. Aleli Sudiacal, Assistant Regional Director DOH-MMCHD. “With the intensive rollout of the pediatric immunization in the country, we shall continue working together with the private sector and LGUs since we are now in the post-recovery stage.”
Several other SM Malls are expected to become safe and convenient Pediatric Vaccination Centers in the coming weeks.
With its long-standing commitment to ensuring the health and safety of the public, SM continues to provide not just a #SafeMalling experience to shoppers, but also a convenient and accessible venue where their communities can get vaccinated.
For more information and up-to-date news on vaccination schedules at the SM malls in your LGU, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.
The rest of the vaccination sites for minors are all hospitals. Those are the following:
Pasig City Children’s Hospital
Address: 15 A Industria, Pasig, 1600 Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 8643 2222
Fe Del Mundo Medical Center
Address: 11 Banawe St, Quezon City, 048619 Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 8712 0845
https://www.fedelmundo.com.ph/
Philippine Children's Medical Center
Address: 2nd Flr. Doctor's Clinic Quezon Avenue, cor Agham Rd, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 8588 9900
National Children's Hospital
Address: 264 E Rodriguez Sr. Ave, New Manila, Quezon City, 1113 Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 8724 0656
Philippine Heart Center
Address: 174, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 8925 2401
Philippine General Hospital
Address: Taft Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 8554 8400
Cardinal Santos Medical Center
Address: 10 Wilson, Greenhills West, San Juan, 1502 Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 8727 0001
https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/
Makati Medical Center
Address: 2 Amorsolo Street, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229 Kalakhang Maynila
Phone: (02) 8888 8999
St. Luke's Medical Center
Quezon City
Address: 279 E Rodriguez Sr. Ave, Quezon City, 1112 Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 8723 0101
BGC
Address: Rizal Drive cor. 32nd St. and, 5th Ave, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 8789 7700
How can minors register for vaccination?
Parents and guardians may coordinate with their LGUs for the enlistment of their children. They may also get in touch with any of the hospitals listed above to secure a vaccination schedule.
What is the vaccination process for minors?
The minors will follow the same process as that of adults in vaccination sites but these youths need to carry a signed consent form from their parents and guardians which they need to present.
On the other hand, their parents or guardians must accompany them on the scheduled vaccination date. These parents or guardians must show their IDs as well as proof of their relationship with the children.
A special lane will be provided for them in LGU vaccination sites. There may be some LGUs that will allow individuals to walk in but it’s not a guarantee that they can get a shot. As such, it’s still more advisable to pre-register for vaccination.
Are minors required to present a medical certificate during vaccination?
Only minors with pre-existing health conditions will be required to present a medical certificate or clearance.
Epilogue
Getting the authorization to vaccinate minors is a welcome development in this pandemic. It’s a big step towards achieving herd immunity to hopefully put an end to COVID-19.
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