BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – Pediatric infectious disease specialists reiterated the assurance that COVID – 19 vaccines are safe and effective and will give protection to children to help bring back their normal daily life and activities.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines’ member Dr. Elizabeth Gallardo said that is with a heavy heart to see children that are getting sick or worse, dying due to vaccine- preventable disease or illnesses. Without added protection from COVID – 19, the children will continue to miss face to face classes, go on vacation, play and interact with other kids and in doing other things that children love to do.
“Kami ay nalulungkot as it is like we are robbing our children of their childhood with this pandemic. The vaccines are safe; they are effective against severe COVID – 19 and hospitalization and against complications,” she stressed.
Philippine Pediatric Society Northern Luzon Chapter President Dr. Efren Balanag also assured that the vaccines are safe and effective and that they support the vaccination of 5 to 11 years old.
“We, at the PH pediatric society, are one with the scientific community that the present COVID-19 vaccine for 5 to 11 years old is very safe. It has been studied very carefully even from sa mga 1st world countries, so wala na po tayong dapat hintayin. Sila po mismo ang nag-a-attest to the safety of the said vaccines”, Balanag said.
“Habang tumatagal, habang nag-aantay pa po tayo, baka lalo pa po nating nai-expose ang mga bata sa mga delikadong mga sakit na pwedeng idulot ng COVID – 19,” he added.
Balanag said restriction on the movement of kids has also hindered their regular check – up and monitoring of their health status. At present, they only see most of the children under their care thru online consultations.
Gallardo and Balanag are among the guests during the regional launching of the Resbakuna Kids – vaccination of 5 to 11 years old children at the Saint Louis University Gym here last February 14 that was spearheaded by the Department of Health –Cordillera, in partnership with the City Government of Baguio.
DOH Regional Director Dr. Rio Magpantay, Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Regional Inter – agency Task Force on the Management of DOH Regional Director Dr. Rio Magpantay, Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Director Araceli San Jose, the Regional Inter – agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease chairperson, led the Resbakuna Kids launching. In their respective messages, they talked about the importance of vaccines in the fight against COVID – 19, especially for the protection of children, adults, families and communities. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
