Published 25 Jan 2022
It’s no surprise that many children do not enjoy getting needles. In preparation for your child’s vaccination, you can help to make it a positive experience by carefully planning and talking them through why it is important to get vaccinated.
Over the last two years, children have proven to be extremely resilient. With the myriad of changes impacting their worlds, they have often shown enviable strength, in the face of such adversity. As ever though, we have an obligation to protect young kids, especially as we take the next steps towards normality. Experts agree that it's important to keep children in face-to-face learning environments and help them reduce the spread of COVID-19. Everyone over 5 years can now book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.
It’s no surprise that many children do not enjoy getting needles. In preparation for your child’s vaccination, you can help to make it a positive experience by carefully planning and talking them through why it is important to get vaccinated.
For young children, acting out what to expect through play can be helpful. Turn your couch into a waiting room, pretend a pencil is the needle and let your child be the doctor. Act out receiving the needle, feel a little ‘’ and then proudly show them you’ve received your vaccination. Take turns and make it fun.
Bring some useful things to help support and calm your child, e.g. a special toy, music, or iPad. There are a number of resources available to help guide this conversation:
How to book
You can book your child’s COVID -19 vaccine appointment via the federal government’s Vaccine Clinic Finder, your GP, state vaccination centre or local pharmacy. If you are unable to find a suitable appointment, please check back regularly as more appointments will become available.
Where can I get more information?
There are great resources available to help you prepare for your child’s vaccination. If you have any questions or concerns, always speak to your GP.
- Talking about COVID-19 Vaccination with kids
- Vaccination information for children and teenagers | Coronavirus Victoria
- Needle phobia - The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) (mcri.edu.au)
- Tips to help a child afraid of needles and stop it becoming a phobia - ABC Everyday
- COVID-19 vaccination social scripts - Amaze - Autism resource
- Sesame Street: The ABCs of COVID Vaccines - YouTube
