Did you put a COVID-19 vaccination on your back to school list?

Kids are back at school and I can almost hear the collective sighs of relief! Before you grab a cup of tea and put your feet up though, did you remember everything on that back-to-school list? An important addition for the 2022 school year is a COVID-19 vaccination. All children in Australia, aged over 5 years, are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.

Why get your child vaccinated against Covid-19?  COVID-19 is a serious illness that can affect anybody. Since young people tend to be very social and recent variants of COVID-19 have been highly contagious, we are seeing increased circulation amongst children. Like adults, some children who get COVID-19 will be asymptomatic and others will experience symptoms similar to a cold or flu. However, some children may become seriously unwell and require hospitalization. Vaccination protects your child from becoming seriously unwell if infected with the virus. A clinical trial showed that the Pfizer vaccine was effective in preventing COVID-19 in children aged 5 to 11 years. Data showed that children who received 2 doses were about 91 percent less likely to get sick from COVID-19 than children who did not get the vaccine.

Vaccinating children also helps the community, as children can play a significant role in spreading COVID-19 in family environments, where other vulnerable family members may be at risk.

We know that there have been many disruptions to schooling during this pandemic.  Remote learning and extended absences from school have negatively impacted our children beyond academic learning. Reducing the risk of transmission within school communities will assist in keeping our schools open.  

Understandably, some children can be a bit nervous about getting their vaccination. There are some steps you can take to make your child feel more comfortable about receiving their vaccination.  It’s important to prepare your child for what they might experience in an age-appropriate way. Simple and honest information is best. Decide on a plan. This might include bringing a toy along, reading a book, playing a game on a device, squeezing someone’s hands or using numbing cream prior to the vaccination. Remember to be calm and positive and use positive language. Providing a treat or doing a special activity together afterward can help too, ensuring the experience ends on a positive note.

Book a covid vaccination for your children with your local Good Price Pharmacy. 

For more back-to-school health tips read: “Back to School?  We’ll Be There”

Carolyn Clementson B Pharm.