Our littlest Melbournians are one step away from protection with walk-up vaccinations now offered at Sunshine Hospital Vaccination Clinic.
Western Health (WH) is delighted to offer parents and carers even more opportunity to give their children aged 5-11 years their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination before school resumes.
In an incredible effort, WH has vaccinated more than 10,000 children in this age range in the two weeks since the program was implemented.
To help put our young patients at ease while they take this important step, WH's s Sunshine and Melton vaccination clinics have been injected with a sense of fun and calmness.
Fish tanks and fidgets are just some of the innovative ways Western Health is helping children feel comfortable.
To celebrate their first Pfizer jab, children are being given a showbag and the opportunity to add their name to a leaf on our tree in our enchanted forest of protection.
Children with developmental disabilities, autism, sensory issues or needle phobias are provided with additional accessibility options. This includes access to a space that provisions a low sensory environment, numbing devices and distractions, such as virtual reality headsets.
Appointments are also available in WH's Melton Vaccination Hub drive through service where children can receive their vaccination in the familiar environment of their parent or carer giver's car.
Parents are providing positive feedback on the paediatric vaccination process, praising Western Health staff for creating a child friendly space.
"Big thanks to Western Health for making it so fun and easy for our three kidlets. They are already excited for jab number 2," said Jess on Twitter.
"The staff did a fantastic job at remaining calm and professional and were so supportive of kids and carers," said Narelle on Facebook.
The COVID-19 vaccination can:
Give children direct protection against getting sick from COVID-19 disease
Reduce the spread of the virus
Help keep schools open, so children can have more face-to-face learning and playtime with their friends.
Book online at or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week to make an appointment.
Pop-up clinics will also be available the weekend before school returns at: Gengala, St Alban's East, Wyndham, Belle Vue Park, Carinlea and Movelle primary schools.
For more information: https://covid-19vaccination.wh.org.au/childhood-vaccination/
COVID-19 VACCINATION TIPS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN:
As a parent or carer, there are a number of important things to consider before you take your child for their COVID-19 vaccine to try to make it a positive experience for them.
Here are some things you could discuss / consider with your child:
Before the vaccination
Ask them what time or day, or which day of the week they would like to get vaccinated.
Find out who they would like to go with them to support them? This could be the person who is available, but also the person who may be able to keep them most calm.
Ask them if there is something they would like to take with them to make them feel more comfortable or to distract them, for example: music, toys, iPad etc. You can also talk to your child about calming strategies, such as deep breathing techniques.
You and your child need to consider the best environment for where your child can be vaccinated.
Read vaccination information and talk to your GP or other healthcare provider if you have any questions prior to the day.
During the vaccination
Bring any supports to the appointment (for example an iPad, music or toy).
Aim to provide a calm environment. Reduce the number of people in the room/cubicle and keep noise and lights to a minimum.
Make sure they feel calm and in control. Instead of telling them what they need to do to "be still", give them a role "your special job is to keep your arm as still as a statue". Let them choose: "Would you like to watch or look away?"
Use positive language that is age appropriate to acknowledge and praise them for being cooperative. Try to acknowledge and validate the child's feelings and responses, ("I can see this feels a bit tricky for you") rather than diminish ("that does not hurt, it is not scary").
Hold them appropriately, ensuring they are comfortable and supported.
After the vaccination
Smile, encourage and praise them.
Ask them for feedback and use that to adjust the plan for next time ("how did that feel?")
Offer a reward for doing a great job.
