VCVax (Valenzuela City COVID-19 Vaccination Plan) Kids Edition officially started today, February 7, 2022, at Malinta Elementary School and Pasolo Elementary School with more than 1,000 children who lined with their parents and guardians to receive their initial doses of Pfizer vaccines.

After the successful VCVax Teens Edition launched last October 27, 2021, the City Government of Valenzuela kicks off the VCVax Kids Edition.  The children received Pfizer vaccines – the only shot approved by the Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration for its lower dosage and lower concentration.

Valenzuela City thoughtfully prepared for the roll off with colorful set-up of the vaccination sites.  Child-friendly characters of animals and adorned the areas to welcome the children.  Loot bags and stuffed toys also awaited the little vaccinees as giveaways. 

Meanwhile, CDO Foodsphere, Inc. set up a booth for free hotdogs to celebrate the children’s vaccination day, along with other snacks and candy surprises.

In order to make the young vaccines relaxed and comfortable; nurses, doctors, and other staff also sported kiddy headdresses and costumes.

As of writing, there are around 10,300 children who have already been registered to the online portal of VCVax at valtrace.appcase.net.  The two dedicated sites for VCVax Kids can accommodate 500 scheduled vaccinees each per day to maintain physical distancing.

According to Dr. Ma. Nieves Elizabeth “Beng” Cruz, Valezuela City’s Vaccines Coordinator, “there is nothing to worry about the vaccination of the kids because it is proven effective to protect us from the COVID-19 virus and the suitable vaccine provided has minimal side effects than the brands for adults”.

Alec Gabrielle Tampadong, a 9-year old boy, who lined up at Pasolo Elementary School for vaccination, encourages his little brother Achilles Tampadong (8 years old) to be vaccinated like him.

“Sasabihin ko po sa kapatid ko na pangproteksyon po ang vaccine kaya dapat maging matapang po, huwag umiyak, at huwag po siya matakot. (I will tell my brother that the vaccine is for protection so he must be brave, don’t cry, and don’t be afraid.)”

Vaccination of children 5 to 11 years old is a preparation for the eventual conduct of face-to-face classes as the world and the country eases up for the new normal.  

Vaccinating children in Valenzuela City is strictly by appointment only, hence parents are encouraged to have their children registered online at valtrace.appcase.net.  They will receive a call and text message for their child’s schedule.