How do I talk to my child about the COVID-19 vaccine? What if they don’t like needles?
Here are a few tips that may help overcome any nervousness your child may have about the vaccine:
- Ask them what they know about the COVID-19 vaccine, needles and any previous vaccines they may have had. Acknowledge how they are feeling and listen to any concerns.
- To help them feel at ease on the day of vaccination, it may help to outline what they may expect during the appointment.
- If your child is afraid of needles, try to not rush them through the process and consider vaccinating them in a familiar setting, such as your family GP or small pharmacy, as this may be less overwhelming than a vaccination centre.
- Distraction may also be a handy tool in these situations, so be sure to bring along their favourite items, be it a toy or a book to help keep them preoccupied.
For more helpful tips on how to speak to kids about the COVID-19 vaccine, the Australian government has prepared a fact sheet here that includes child-friendly responses to any questions children may have about the COVID-19 vaccine.