“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.
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.
“Marhay man po giraray na nabakunahan na ining aki ko para magin ligtas man siya sa helang. Mahirap pong ihalubilo an aki sa luwas kan harong na aram ta man bagang nakakahawa an helang kaya dai man siya halos nakakaluwas o nakakapasyar-pasyar,” shared Irene Candelaria from Capucnasan, Milaor who accompanied her 10-year-old child, Luke Brian Candelaria.
A colorful party-themed vaccination site was also set up for the children to enjoy and feel more relaxed during the vaccination.
“Magayon asin madali su nagin flow kan vaccination. Kumbaga, bako itong maparahalat kapang haloy, dire-diretso lang. Saka marhay po na arog kaini an set-up para magin relax an pagmati kan aki. An iba kaya baga pag nahiling nang may syringe, natatakot na,” added Irene.
With gratitude, Irene shared, “Salamat po ta nagkaigwa nin arog kaining pagkakataon na makapabakuna an mga 5-11 years old. Marhay po an arog kaining programa asin primero po ini digdi sa probinsya. Para po sa mga magurang, mas magigin kampante po kita kun an aki ta bakunado na. Salamat pong maray sa Provincial Government!”
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. May pagkakataon na po na yung mga bata hindi lang po sa labas, pwede na rin po silang makapasok sa mga establishments. Aside po sa nabakunahan na yung anak ko, nagpa-booster na din po ako para mas safe at protektado.”
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.
The Provincial Government accepts walk-ins for the pediatric vaccination. On the day of the vaccination, parents must accompany their children, bring proof of relationship, a valid ID of the child with picture or birth certificate, a valid ID of the parent or guardian with picture, medical certificate if with comorbidity, and well-fitted face mask and face shield.
