FACES OF CEBU: Mary Grace Semilla – Bulay, Web Designer & Mom | Photo courtesy of Mary Grace Semilla – Bulay
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Philippines is set to start vaccinating children ages 5 to 11 years old within this month.
And here in Cebu, local health officials are targeting to administer the shots to them by mid-February. In the meantime, they urged parents to have their kids registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines.
Among the parents planning to get their young children vaccinated was Mary Grace Semilla-Bulay.
The 33-year-old web designer from Carcar City is mulling to register her seven-year-old son to get the COVID-19 vaccines, just like her.
“I decided to get the vaccine myself for safety and protection. Also, cause we have minors and seniors in our family,” said Mary Grace.
While she is a firm believer that vaccination works wonders, Mary Grace cannot help but worry about the side effects her son, Lyle, may get from taking COVID-19 vaccines.
“One of the challenges for parents wanting to inoculate their children against COVID-19, I think, is kanang wa ka kahibaw unsa ang side effect unya sa bata. Will it be okay or worse,” she said.
Lyle has also been vaccinated against flu and polio, the latter of which proved lethal among young children.
With doubts surrounding Lyle’s prospect of getting the COVID-19 vaccines, Mary Grace turned to their pediatrician for professional advice.
“Actually sa pagkakaron nag duhaduha pako. Because of the side effects pero thankfully sa mga inject ni Lyle wa man sya hilanti. But I’m still willing nga ipa-vaccine. But as of now maniid sa mi. And also will ask the advice of our pedia,” she explained.
Mary Grace also stressed the need for parents, like her who are hesitant to inoculate their children against COVID-19, to consult experts about the matter.
“When in doubt, talk to your pedia. Better to ask a professional and talk about it,” said Mary Grace.
Local government units (LGUs) in Cebu have started masterlisting children 5 to 11 years old who will be qualified to receive free COVID-19 vaccines from the national government.
/bmjo
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