The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) supports the move of the government to protect children from COVID-19 through the rollout of vaccination for 5 to 11 years old.

As the lead agency in social protection, the DSWD is mandated to protect and promote the rights and best interest of children, among which is ensuring that they are safe and protected from any form of health risk, including that of COVID-19. Vaccinating them will provide additional protection for their health and well-being.

Towards this, the Department continues to conduct information dissemination on the benefits of vaccination to all parent-beneficiaries of its programs and services to help them arrive at an informed decision for their children. The information being shared by the Department is based on studies done by health experts indicating that vaccines are safe and effective in fighting COVID-19.

Meanwhile, on the petition for the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order to stop the vaccination of children aged 5-11, the Department respects the petitioners’ right to seek redress before the courts. The agency leaves it to the proper judicial body to resolve the matter.

DSWD reiterates that vaccination is not a condition to avail of DSWD programs and services, but the Department highly encourages parents to have their children vaccinated to help achieve population protection. ###