Preparation Tips in Vaccination for Kids 5-11

12 February 2022

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Two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is stepping up preparations for the immunization of children ages five to 11. Although this was already initiated in the US and other parts of the world last year, the Philippines is starting a kids vaccination campaign program this year.

US Center for Disease Control authorized Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11

Children aged 5-11 may now be given the Pfizer COVID 19 vaccine, which was approved by the CDC on November 2 last year as it gets an emergency use authorization. Since the Pfizer vaccines introduction in the United States, the COVID-19 vaccine has been the subject of some of the most stringent safety evaluations ever conducted in the country, especially for adolescents; that's why parents can have the assurance that these vaccines are safe and effective for children.

Aside from this, the COVID-19 vaccine is being developed under clinical trials by a number of additional vaccine producers for use in young children under the age of 12.

Rolling of COVID-19 vaccines under this age group in PH

An estimated 14.7 million children under the age of 5 to 11 are expected to be vaccinated with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to officials. The country's vaccination task force and the National Vaccination Operations Center are preparing guidelines as they expect to begin administering vaccines to these eligible children this February.

How to convince your kids to get vaccinated?

We understand how troublesome and difficult it is to administer vaccines to children, especially since some of them have a great fear of injections. That's why we collected some guidelines on how to prepare and encourage kids to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

1. Don't rush your creative explanations about the importance of getting vaccinated

The head of the DOH Knowledge Management and Information Technology Unit Epidemiologist, Dr. Eric Tayag, said that parents must not hurry in having their children inoculated. Instead, they need to allow enough time to explain to their kids about the suspicions, worries, and fears of getting vaccinated.

Rather than rushing their children to get their shots, parents should take their time and utilize that opportunity to discuss the advantages of vaccinations with their children and how this can protect them from severe illness.

According to Tayag, visual aids, such as images and films of children receiving vaccinations, should be used to help parents prepare for what they might anticipate when it's their time.

In addition, he suggested that people avoid using terms like "vaccination" while discussing vaccination. It's an excellent example of how to ease the child's anxieties by using the term "pisil" or pinch rather than "turok" or inject.

2. Instill confidence that immunizations are safe and effective for children

It is critical that parents explain the importance of vaccination to their children's immune response. It is vital for youngsters to understand that immunizations will protect them and those they live with as well as their playmates when playing with other children is once again possible.

For the parents' assurance, Dr. Tayag also cited some studies and reports about the efficacy and safety of vaccines for children.

He mentioned two studies showing the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, the sort of vaccination that would be given to youngsters. All age groups will benefit from COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations in terms of reduced hospitalizations and fatalities, according to the Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety in October 2021.

He also added that two 10-microgram doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine provided 21 days apart "was proven to be safe, immunogenic, and effective" in children between the ages of 5 to 11 years.

Meanwhile, the Philippines Food and Drug Administration issued Pfizer's emergency use permission in December 2021, citing the vaccine's "robust" antibody response in the age range as the basis for the recommendation. So far, it is the only brand approved for usage between the ages of five to eleven.

3. Make sure to prepare all the essential documents before the inoculation date

Parents are urged by the DOH to have their children's identity documents in order ahead of vaccination day in order to avoid any delays or hassles. Some of the recommended documents that parents must prepare to bring are:

Birth certificate (original or certified true copy) / Valid IDs or documents with a photo of the parent or guardian as well as the vaccine recipient (if the birth certificate is unavailable)
Informed consent forms (available on the site)
Assent forms (available on the site)
Health declaration forms (available on the site)
Doctor's health clearance (for children with underlying illnesses)

4. Support and congratulate your kids on receiving their immunizations

Tayag said that one of the essential responsibilities of parents or guardians is to keep an eye on their children on the day of their immunization.

In order to keep younger children distracted while they are going to be injected, he suggested telling them to shut their eyes. In the event that their kid does cry, he recommends parents to be prepared and be patient in coping with their child's experience throughout the inoculation. Also, Tayag advised keeping an ice pack on hand in case the child feels any pain or uncomfortable after the injection.

After the procedure is complete, Tayag advises parents to offer their kids a modest gift or memento to cheer them up and ease their anxiety over the immunization. This is not a form of a bribe but a simple gift to show our support to them.

Also, if the youngster has an unpleasant first vaccine dose experience, they may be reluctant to return for a second dose. If this is the case, parents must be patient and creative in teaching their children the importance of finishing their doses in order to minimize the risk of their contracting COVID-19 and being hospitalized.

It is also important to take note that when taking a child outdoor, always have them wear a face mask.

5. Monitor your child's condition

Parents should also keep an eye on their children when they go home, according to Tayag. US Centers for Disease Control recommendations, individuals should seek medical attention if they notice redness, discomfort, or any severe allergic reaction at the injection site or if their child's adverse effects do not subside within a few days.

The government may provide assistance in the event of a bad reaction to a pediatric vaccination or a hospitalization package via the national health insurance PhilHealth. Aside from teaching children about public health norms, experts also advised parents to keep track of vaccine regimens for other diseases.

It's a great development in this pandemic period that children are now also capable of receiving the vaccines against COVID-19. That's why it's important that your community is child-friendly so that they can still have the chance to enjoy the outdoors safely.

With Lumina Homes eSpacio, your kids can have enough space to enjoy various recreational activities during their leisure at the safety of your home's subdivision.