CamSur kicks off pediatric vaccination for 5 to 11 year-olds

By Annalyn Gallego

“I was browsing Facebook and then I saw Governor Migz’s post about the Resbakuna of 5-11 years old. I was amazed because I thought it was only in Metro Manila. Nag-start na din pala sa province. Sabi ko, hindi pwedeng hindi mabakunahan ang anak ko kasi bata siya, gusto ko siyang maprotektahan and gusto ko siyang makapunta sa iba-ibang lugar para sa social interaction niya din. Alam kong isa din ito sa magiging requirements para sa face-to-face classes. So, vaccine is the only way,” delightfully shared Mona Llorin, mother of 6-year-old kid, Rafaela Kae Llorin, from San Miguel, Iriga City.

In line with the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur’s efforts to expand vaccine coverage, the pediatric vaccination rollout for children ages 5-11 years old, dubbed as “Resbakuna Kids”, began on February 16, 2022 at the CamSur Vaccination Center, Capitol Complex.

As of writing, a total of 8,350 doses of Pfizer vaccines arrived in the province. One thousand doses are allocated for the Bicol Medical Center’s pediatric vaccination, whereas the remaining doses are intended for the pediatric vaccination in the province covering only the children’s first doses.

RESBAKUNA KIDS. The provincial government of Camarines Sur under the leadership of Gov. Migz Villafuerte started implementing the pediatric vaccination drive dubbed as “Resbakuna Kids” that rolled out vaccination for children aged 5-11 years old that was launched last February 16, 2022 at the CamSur Vaccination Center, Capitol Complex with a total of 110 children inoculated with Pfizer vaccine, the sole approved vaccine brand for the youngest age group. The party-themed atmosphere helped ease the tension amongst the kids and their parents were grateful for this initiative from the Capitol officials and personnel. jmts/rbmjr/pgommec02232022 with photosinfo from fb_ProvofCamSur

Rafaela Kae was among the hundreds of children who took part on the first day of the pediatric vaccination. Pfizer vaccine, the only vaccine currently intended for the youngest age group, were given to them. The dose authorized and recommended for children ages 5 to 11 years old is lower compared to the dose given to children 12 years old and above. Small micrograms are needed to prepare the child’s immune system. The smaller dose, when inoculated on children, prove to be just as effective while causing fewer side effects.

“It is important to educate every family, especially the indigent, para lahat na din makakuha ng vaccine. Hindi natin ito pwedeng balewalain kasi kawawa naman ang bata. Huwag na natin hintayin na magkasakit pa sila. Necessity na ng bata ang vaccine. We have to urge our families, especially the parents, na pabakunahan na ang anak nila,” encouraged Mona.

Inoculating the 5-11 years old opens the possibility for the resumption of classes, thereby allowing more mobility, minimizing disruption of children’s education, and improving the psychosocial well-being of the youngest age group. The benefits of the vaccine for younger children far outweigh the risks.

Children who are vaccinated can be protected from severe Covid-19 and potential hospitalization, likewise safeguard family and friends by stopping the spread of the virus.

“Noong una, ayaw niya talaga magpabakuna kasi natatakot siya. Pero, nakumbinsi ko rin siya kasi kailangan na talaga. Sa palagay ko kasi, pinakauna dapat ang safety ng mga bata. Dapat maproteksiyonan sila laban sa virus. Super proud ako ngayon sa kanya kasi kahit nasaktan at kahit ayaw niya, pursigido pa rin siya para mabakunahan,” shared Racel Garcia from San Nicolas, Iriga City.

Racel was beyond grateful for the Provincial Government’s vaccination program because, apart from her child, she had also availed of the Covid-19 booster shot on the same day.

She added, “Thank you po kasi nag-start na yung vaccination para sa mga bata from 5-11 years old. Nervous yet satisfied, 9-year old Quorra Serleena Garcia Sales, Racel’s daughter, exclaimed, “Okay lang po kahit masakit po. Magiging safe na po ako kasi nabakunahan na po ako. Thank you po kasi nabakunahan na po ako. Thank you sa Capitol!”

After their second dose, vaccinated children will benefit from the best immune response against the Covid-19 disease.