Children's COVID 19 Vaccine Clinics

hi my name is jessica grisbeck and i'm a public health nurse and clinical supervisor at the covid vaccine clinic at the city of hamilton before bringing your child to get their copic 19 vaccine we have a few tips to make sure you have a good experience make sure your child eats and drinks as usual to prevent feeling faint or dizzy while being vaccinated make sure your child wears short sleeve t-shirt so vaccinators can easily access their upper arm talk to your child about how to deal with anxiety and pain from the needle it's normal for children to feel nervous about getting a needle pack a mask favorite toy or stuffy or download a show on your device to bring to the clinic make sure you have your child's health card read and print the vaccine consent form if a parent or guardian will not be bringing the child to the vaccine clinic read the kovit 19 vaccine information sheet and ask your doctor if you have any medical questions before getting the vaccine take any medications as usual screen yourself for covid19 symptoms do not attend the clinic if you or your child has symptoms when you arrive at the vaccination clinic come inside first you will be asked screening questions about symptoms and travel then you will be directed to the check-in desk where you will confirm your name address and health card number clinic staff will then direct you to the waiting area here you can get ice to help with pain management you can place the ice on your child's arm and have them say the alphabet before they get their vaccine this numbs their arms so they don't feel the vaccine as much c44 they will then be called into the vaccination area where a doctor or nurse is ready to give their vaccine once they're in the vaccination area clinic staff will ask about their medical history and obtain consent for getting the vaccine the clinics have some extra supports for distraction and pain management for children such as ice to put on their arm before being vaccinated fidget toys to use at the clinic such as poppets and eye spy sheets to distract them children are also encouraged to bring their favorite toy to the clinic with them there are privacy areas if needed so your child doesn't have to see others at the clinic parents can also hold on to their child while they receive the vaccine sensory friendly clinic spaces are available public health staff have been trained in the cards technique which stands for comfort ask relax and distraction this is a common vaccination technique used for children to help with needle fear after the vaccination is complete the children will wait 15 minutes to ensure that they don't have a reaction you can take a selfie at the photo booth and then pick up your proof of vaccination at the checkout desk we did it if you have any questions talk with your health care provider or visit hamilton.ca child vaccine for all of our clinic locations visit hamilton.ca get your vaccine [Music]