The City Government of Malaybalay through the City Health Office has launched first day of vaccination roll-out for children ages five to 11 years old on February 17, 2022. Parents, guardians and children who joined the program were greeted with a party-themed venue decorated with balloons and animated cartoon characters, an avenue to celebrate where kids received their initial jabs for protection from this deadly virus.

Led by Dr. Dennis P. Sangalang together with Dr. Melirose S. Deticio, Dr. Gary Guido C. Tabios, Jr., Dr. Vincent C. Raguro, Management Support Division Chief of DOH Region X Eduard Acta, and Procurement Head of DOH Region X Marilou Gecosala, the ceremonial vaccination was held at the Enhanced Screening Area (ESA) City Covered Court, Brgy. 04, this City.

Dr. Sangalang welcomed and thanked the parents who wholeheartedly went with their kids to the launching of this momentous event. “This special vaccine (Pfizer BioNTech) is made intended especially for our kids. It has been modified as well as reformulated for their ages and rest assured to be very safe and effective,” he added.

Meanwhile, Acta expressed his gratitude to the City Government for the unwavering support to the inoculation drive for covid-19 vaccines. He stressed, “We should also be thankful for the national government in extending the protection for our children. May this protect all of us as we continue to adapt and live in the new normal in the coming days”.

Moreover, Dr. Tabios agreed with what Dr. Sangalang and Acta remarked by saying, “Thank you for trusting the science of vaccines. Pfizer vaccine has received emergency use approval from the Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration and World Health Organization.” He affirmed that the benefits of the vaccine will always outweigh the risks.

Numerous stakeholders showed their generous assistance and support by providing delectable snacks for kids as they proceeded to the post vaccination area. These donations came from Frozz Creamery, Virginia Food Inc., Jollibee and Little by Little.

The vaccination for kids ages 5-11 years old will continue in the coming weeks and has been scheduled on Mondays to Fridays at ESA, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.