Key Takeaways:
- Parents have numerous questions now that Health Canada has approved the first COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months to 5 years old.
- Research indicates that your child is more likely to experience discomfort after receiving the vaccine regarding risks and side effects.
- Klassen defines pain as not only something that happens to your body, but also how you perceive and understand it psychologically.
Since Health Canada has authorized the first COVID-19 vaccine for kids between 6 months and five years old, parents have many questions.
Dr. Jared Bullard, a pediatrician, said that at the moment, he is frequently asked about two issues: when the vaccination will be accessible to young children.
In an interview with CTV Morning Live on Monday, he stated, “I think the parents in Manitoba for kids under five have been impatiently expecting these immunizations for a long time.”
The second question, according to Bullard, is whether or not COVID-19-positive children should receive vaccinations, which is something he believes they should.
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We know that when you receive the vaccine, in addition to having the infection, your immunity is truly that much stronger as well as longer lasting, he said. “I encourage them to do that,” he said.
Bullard claimed that more children began presenting to the hospital at the end of last year with typical COVID-19 symptoms.
“I believe that with more kids of this age group coming in, it’s crucial to have this vaccine because the vaccine can lessen the risk that they would have symptoms like cough, and not feel well, leading them to come into hospital,” he added.
Concerning dangers and side effects, research indicates that your child is more likely to suffer discomfort when they receive the vaccine.
Bullard continued, “Fevers after the immunization, (for) a few days, are not rare.”
Except for a few incidences of myocarditis in young adults, the pediatrician highlighted that long-term statistics from people aged five and older reveal there aren’t many side effects of particular concern.
Bullard advises speaking with a healthcare expert to receive all the details you require on pediatric vaccinations and to ensure your child is current on all recommended vaccinations.
HELPING KIDS OVER VACCINE FEARS
The next step after a parent decides whether to vaccinate their child is to help the child through the procedure.
According to therapist Carolyn Klassen, it is very normal for kids to be afraid of needles.
According to the expert, about 25% of adults and 60% of children express a strong fear of needles.
According to Klassen, pain is not only perceived as something that happens to your body but also as how you psychologically perceive and understand it. For this reason, parents should be honest and establish trust with their children.
She continued that children will imitate their parents’ confidence, which will allay some of their concerns.
“So if you could just say, ‘You’re getting a poke,’ that would be great. It will keep you in good health. Yes, we recall how painful it was the last time you received one, but remember that it passes quickly,” she remarked.
Klassen noted that studies show that nursing during the injection will minimize pain for still nursing children and that some children will benefit from an anesthetic patch or cream.
Considering your child’s personality, “really preparing them. Make sure to let them understand ahead of time, but not so soon that they have too much time to worry, the expert advised.
In addition, Klassen advises trying to distract your children during the injection and talking to them about what will make them feel better.
Bring out your smartphone as well as look at a song or video that they would enjoy helping them divert their attention from what will happen when the vaccine is administered.
Source: CTV News
