Tips on Preparing Children Ages 5-11 for COVID-19 Vaccination
As many parents and caregivers wait eagerly to hear that the COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized for children ages 5-11, Connecticut Children鈥檚 Medical Center is sharing important information online. The hospital鈥檚 care teams acknowledge that 鈥渢his age group might be a little more nervous about needles or doctor鈥檚 visits.鈥
On the Connecticut Children鈥檚 website, a on how to prepare kids ages 5-11 for their COVID-19 vaccine appointment includes:
- Use play to 鈥渞ehearse鈥 the visit.鈥疍epending on your child鈥檚 age, you can use a favorite toy or a play medical kit to act out what happens at a vaccine visit. It鈥檚 also a great time to practice , like 鈥渂unny breathing鈥 or the 鈥54321鈥 technique.
- Pack comfort items.鈥疕ave your child pick a toy or stuffed animal to keep them company. You might also bring a book, headphones or other soothing items, like a sticker pack, medical play kit or handheld game. And bring ear muffs, a hat or sunglasses if your child has sensory sensitivities. The website shares more ideas of .
- Plan a reward.鈥疓ive your child something to look forward to. Plan something special to do after their vaccine visit, like a trip to the park, dedicated play time with a favorite toy, or something else.
The website also includes suggestions on how to talk with children about the COVID-19 vaccine. For example:
- Be honest with your child about getting the shot. Let them know they may feel a pinch or pressure from the needle.
- Focus on the positives 鈥 explain how the vaccine keeps us all healthy.
- Listen closely and clear up any confusion about what your child may have heard about the COVID-19 vaccine, whether true or untrue.
- And for children who are nervous, let them know it鈥檚 OK, practice a calming exercise and make the car ride fun.
Juan C. Salazar, M.D., the hospital鈥檚 physician-in-chief, discusses why the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for children in an , updated frequently to reflect the latest news and information.