Local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila officially started vaccinating children age 12-17 without comorbidities against COVID-19 on Wednesday, November 3 — approximately eight months since the Philippines began its inoculation rollout in March.

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said that starting November 5, the government will have full implementation of pediatric vaccination nationwide as the country already has a stable supply of COVID-19 vaccines.

The move also coincides with the plan to gradually reopen schools for limited face-to-face classes.

Earlier, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. spearheaded the opening ceremony of pediatric vaccination in SM Sucat in Parañaque where 2,000 minors are targeted to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

In Manila, the mass vaccination of the general population of minors has begun in its six district hospitals.

On the vaccination day, Cabotaje said minors must be accompanied by their parents or guardian.

Meanwhile, Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan said the Caloocan City Medical Center and Caloocan City North Medical Center will be accepting 400 slots each for children ages 12-17 with comorbidities that have online appointments.

The Philippines is prioritizing 1.2 million children with existing health conditions and has approved two vaccine brands for minors: Pfizer and Moderna.

Of its 2.7 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, 7.8% affect young people aged 10-19 years old. Fatalities among that bracket are comparatively lower, making up 0.6% of the country's more than 40,000 deaths.