Childcare providers are almost as relieved as parents upon hearing of the White House plan to vaccinate children aged 5-11 as soon as Pfizer-Biontech gets an approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
But as there are still weeks ahead of the vaccination, childcare providers can do their part in slowly introducing the possibility of vaccination for the older children in their care who will eventually qualify for a jab.
Here are some tips on how to mentally prepare children for the coronavirus shots.
Emphasize safety as the main reason for getting a shot.
Kids must understand that the vaccine is meant not only to keep them safe but also to keep other people safe as well.
Aside from talking about keeping them safe, also explain that the vaccine they’re getting has been deemed safe enough for their young bodies.
Mention how the adults have done studies and trials to make sure children as young as them have been given the jab with little to no side effects.
Clear up vaccine misinformation.
If your child is hesitant to get the jab, ask them if they’ve seen, heard, or read anything that may have fueled their hesitancy.
As misinformation about the vaccines is rampant all over the internet, even reaching kids’ feeds, try to dispel any misconceptions they may have about getting the jab.
Deal with their needle fear.
Sometimes it’s not the vaccine that kids fear but the process of getting a vaccine and having a needle poke their arm.
Reassure them that it can be a quick process that can be done even before their favorite song is finished.
Never tell the child that it won’t hurt because it will but you can tell them that the needle prick only lasts for a second or two, and not minutes.
You can also give them strategies to fight the fear by teaching them a song or two which they can hum to themselves while getting the jab.
Talk about the side effects.
As side effects occur in the majority of those who get the vaccination, explain to the children what these side effects may be.
Tell them that these side effects happen because their body is learning how to fight coronavirus should it try to infect them.
Just like how childcare providers teach them to learn their ABC’s and 123’s, so is the vaccine teaching their bodies how to react and protect them against the virus.
Share your personal story of getting vaccinated.
Having gone through a similar situation, it would be best if you also told them how it was for you when you got the vaccine.
How long you stayed in line, how quick the procedure was, and what side effects you experienced.
This helps children see in person that the vaccination was a safe process for you to go through.
It can also help children understand that it helps you feel safer and protect people like them against contracting the virus.
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