PH Red Cross rolls out Covid-19 booster shots for minors 12 to 17 years old

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Friday, July 8, announced that it can now administer Covid-19 booster shots to qualified minors 12 to 17 years old.

“Hinihikayat ko ang mga magulang na may mga anak na 12 to 17 years old na fully vaccinated na ipa-booster sila para sa kanilang proteksyon (I encourage parents with children 12 to 17 years old who are fully vaccinated to have allow them to get a booster for their protection),” PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard J. Gordon said.

The initiative, PRC said, is in support of the announcement made by the Department of Health (DOH) on June 28 giving the green light for the administration of the first Covid-19 booster shots to all adolescents 12 to 17 years old.

PRC opened the “PLMC Bakuna Center” in Mandaluyong City to those who are qualified for the booster shots every Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Those who are qualified to get the jab, Gordon said, may visit the PRC vaccination center.

PRC noted that children 12 to 17 years old — who had their second dose five months ago or earlier — may walk in with a parent or legal guardian at the PRC PLMC Bakuna Center at Apo St. corner Pinatubo St., Barangka Ilaya, Mandaluyong City.

Children availing of the first booster shot must bring their ID, their vaccination card (1st and 2nd dose), their parent’s or legal guardian’s ID, and proof of filiation.

As of July 7, PRC has administered 1,207,654 doses of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters, of which 105,730 are boosters. It has fully vaccinated 374,395 individuals.

PRC said that its vaccination efforts are part of its mandate as an auxiliary to the government in its humanitarian tasks. It started administering Covid-19 vaccines in March 2021.