Kids

Getting Your Kids Vaccinated? Here’s How to Prepare Them for It

by Alexa Villano
January 27, 2022

Starting February 4, kids aged 5-11 years old can be vaccinated. But before that, here’s how you can prepare them before the jab.

Parents can finally breathe a sigh of relief as kids ages 5 to 11 years old will finally get vaccinated. Efforts will officially start on February 4. But even before getting vaccinated, it’s important to prepare them for it.

In an interview on ANC last January 6, Dr. Yen Reyes of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of the Philippines shared some tips parents can do to their kids before they even get jabbed.

Parents should explain to their kids what the process is

“I am enticing all mothers who have kids 5 to 11 years old to prepare their kids psychologically,” Dr. Reyes said. “So it’s best that you’ll explain to them what a vaccination is for.”

Dr. Reyes cited an example such as elders getting sick from COVID-19 or others who got sick from various illnesses before getting vaccinated.

“If you tell them to get vaccinated, it will prevent them from having that disease or prevent them from hospitalization,” she said.

Register for the vaccination

Even before the vaccination, Dr. Reyes encourages parents to sign up their kids for the program. Just like the adults, it’s important to secure a slot. Make sure to bring identification of the child such as a birth certificate or legit ID.

Bring medical certificates for kids with comorbidities

Dr. Reyes reminded parents to bring medical certificates for their kids with comorbidities. Comorbidities include illnesses such as asthma, heart conditions, and diabetes.

She also added that it’s very important that kids should mask up.

Dress your kids lightly

Before going to the vaccination site, make sure that your kids are wearing light clothes. Dr. Reyes said that it’s very important for the kids to feel comfortable because sometimes it’s hot at the vaccination site and this could also trigger fever among kids.

Bring anything that can entertain them

To help them feel relaxed, Dr. Reyes said to bring toys or food to distract them.

“You also have to bring extra food and candies, especially rewards for them so they won’t be bored, and since they will be lining, also because there [are] stages, so you have to bring them their toys or gadgets that could entertain them,” she said.

After vaccination, let your kids rest

It’s very important to let the kids after they get vaccinated says, Dr. Reyes. Let them sleep if they must or drink a lot of fluid and eat healthy meals such as fruits and vegetables.

Save your kids

It’s important to grab the opportunity to have your kids vaccinated given that COVID-19 will be here for a long time. Getting vaccinated not only saves your child’s life but your family and the people close to you. Be informed and save a life.