A girl belonging to the 5-11 age group gets inoculated against COVID-19 during the mass pediatric vaccination at a mall in Tuguegarao City on Monday, Valentine’s Day. (Photo by Villamor Visaya Jr.)

By MARIA JESUSA ESTEBAN

TUGUEGARAO CITY–At least 400 children 5 to 11 years old were vaccinated at the Department of Health-designated jab site in SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown (SMTD) here on Monday, Valentine’s Day.

In an interview, assistant mall manager Romel Uy said the vaccinated children have no comorbidities and SMTD was the first in the city to inoculate children within this age group.

“The mall is very prepared for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout for children here in Tuguegarao City. It is a nice opportunity for us to put a smile on these kids’ faces this Valentine’s Day as we welcome them with balloons, party hats, and mascots. We are also grateful that our mall has been selected to be the first venue for the vaccination of kids without comorbidities,” Uy said.

Parents accompanied their children during the inoculation, hoping that the vaccine would ensure strong and lasting protection against the virus.

“Hindi po ako natatakot, gustong gusto ko na po magpabakuna para makalabas na din po kami ng bahay (I am not afraid, I want to be vaccinated so that I can go out of the house),” according to Donna Joyca Bangayan, 10, a resident of Barangay Capatan in this city.

Bangayan’s father, Jun, said his daughter was excited to get the shot.

Parent Cherry Attaban, a resident of Barangay (village) Cataggaman Pardo, said was a bit nervous to have her kids vaccinated but she believed it would protect her children.#