This week, the Coastal Health District expanded its COVID-19 vaccination program to include pediatric vaccines for children aged 5-11 in several clinic locations.
Scheduling an appointment is easy - just visit chdcovidvax.org and click the button to schedule a pediatric COVID vaccine visit at the Chatham or Glynn County Health Departments.
The next step is preparing your child for vaccination. The experience will be similar to getting routine vaccines. Here are a few tips and suggestions to consider:
- Talk to your child before vaccination about what to expect. Be honest with your child. Explain that shots can pinch or sting, but that it won’t hurt for long.
- Engage other family members, especially older siblings, to support your child.
- Remind your child that vaccines can keep him or her healthy.
- Celebrate the completion of this important milestone with a small treat like a lollipop or going to the park for the afternoon.
- Make sure your attitude is calm and confident. Your child will often take their cues from you, so be warm, attentive, and relaxed.
After Vaccination
Your child may have some side effects after vaccination, similar to the side effects experienced by some adults.
There may be some pain, redness, and swelling in the arm where your child got the shot. It's also possible that your child could experience some tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, or nausea.
These side effects are normal signs that your child's body is building protection. Side effects are usually mild and should go away in a few days. Some people have no side effects and severe allergic reactions are rare. It is not recommended you give pain relievers before vaccination to try to prevent side effects.
COVID-19 vaccine for adults and children is free of charge in the United States, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. In addition to public health locations, pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is also available in many doctor's offices and pharmacies.
If you have questions about vaccines and your child, please talk with your pediatrician or your local health department. More information is also available on the websites of the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics. |