With the government gradually pursuing COVID vaccination for kids, parents need to know one important thing: what to do before COVID vaccination. Find out what you should know here.
Understanding the Importance of Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
After over two years, the pandemic is still prevalent. And many countries are closely monitoring the spike in the number of cases from the Omicron variant. With no clear end in sight to the pandemic, the only way to combat it is by having a layer of protection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asserts that vaccination against COVID-19 is the safer and much more reliable way to build immunity in comparison to natural immunity. The vaccines imitate the virus to allow the production of antibodies that provide protection. Not only do vaccines lower the risk of infection, they also prevent serious illnesses and death.
Widespread vaccination can also lead to herd immunity, which can go a long way in allowing people to continue doing their regular activities while taking precautionary measures into consideration.
Pediatric Population Up for Vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children. And now that these vaccines are also available for children, parents have many questions on what to do before COVID vaccination. Here are some things you must know before and after vaccine administration for kids.
1. What To Do Before COVID Vaccination: Do Your Research
The first step in identifying what to do before COVID vaccination is by doing your research. It is important that you stay updated with the latest information about the vaccine roll-out for kids — crucially from reputable sources and qualified doctors.
Learning more about the vaccines and their possible side effects could help minimize the worries and doubts you may have.
In addition to that, it would help if you get to read some frequently asked questions (FAQs) from trusted and verified sources of information. Some of these include the pages of the following:
- Department of Health (DOH)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
And while you are at it, consider registering your child at the vaccination site nearest you.
2. Consult Your Pediatrician
If you are planning to get your child the COVID-19 vaccine, you could also reach out to your pediatrician about any concerns you may have.
Communicate with your doctor if your child has experienced an allergic reaction to any vaccine. You may also ask if the medications your child is currently taking could interfere with the vaccination.
Requesting for a medical clearance would also be useful to ensure that the vaccination will not have any contraindications to the child.
3. Inform Your Child About Getting the Vaccine
Another consideration in this list of what to do before COVID vaccination is to familiarize your child with the process of vaccination. Though it is quite similar to routine vaccines, the details of what your child will experience alleviate any fears that they may have. Additionally, you can discuss with them the reason why they need to get the vaccine.
Be as specific as possible so that the child can envision the experience in advance. Consider what they will see, hear, and feel about the vaccination process.
4. Prepare All Requirements
Before coming to the vaccination site, make sure to bring all necessary documents with you. You should also prepare a consent form for the medical personnel to verify the administration. Keep in mind that they will only provide your child with the vaccine when all requirements are provided.
5. Make Sure Your Child Eats Healthy and Sleeps Well
The WHO recommends that anyone who will get the vaccine should stay hydrated as it is a critical part of what to do before COVID vaccination, or even after. Not only will it keep your child from feeling sick, but it may also help to reduce the duration and severity of side effects.
Furthermore, make sure your child has a well-balanced diet. Seasonal fruits high in vitamin C can help with vaccine side effects.
Lastly, make sure your child gets at least 7- 8 hours of sleep before getting vaccinated.
Now that you know what to do before COVID vaccination, you also might be wondering what to do after vaccination.
Monitor your child for any possible signs of side effects. Aside from that, you should ensure that they receive the right amount of nutrients and sufficient rest to aid their recovery. DOH also mentions that it is best to stay at home unless it is essential to travel.
Key Takeaways
As we move forward towards reclaiming some sense of normalcy, it is important to include your children in getting the protection they need from the virus. Vaccination for children is safe and effective, but it is not without side effects. Knowing what to do before vaccination can help your child prepare for the experience.
Learn more about Coronavirus here.
