How Can I Minimize The Pain
Needles can hurt. To lessen the pain you can:
- Apply a topical anesthetic an hour before getting the needle. You may have to confirm with your doctor what part of your childs body the shot will be given . Your pharmacist can help you find the cream.
- Nurse your baby while they get the needle, or give your baby sugar water just before the shot.
- Use distractions , suggest deep breathing, remain calm and physically comfort your child during the needle.
Do not give your child ibuprofen or acetaminophen before or around the time of vaccination as it does not prevent the pain of injection and it could have an impact on how well the vaccine works. These medications can be used to treat fever, pain, or other bothersome side effects if they develop after vaccination.
For tips on how to make vaccines as pain-free as possible:
Notes:
Preparing Children For Vaccination
You can prepare your child for vaccination, especially if they are of an age to understand.
There are several ways to reduce the pain and anxiety of vaccination. See the Reducing the Pain and Anxiety of Vaccination in Children page and discuss them with the person administering the vaccines during your appointment.
Effects Of Omicron And Delta
The Delta variant does not appear to cause more severe disease among children and adolescents compared to previous variants.
There is little information available about Omicron yet, but it is at least as transmissible as Delta. It is not yet known whether it causes more severe illness than Delta or whether it puts children at greater risk than Delta. Data is rapidly emerging.
More information about variants
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Global Equity And Public Health Goals
In the context of ongoing global COVID-19 vaccine supply constraints, the focus of immunization programs must remain on protecting sub-populations at highest risk of hospitalizations and deaths, according to the WHO Prioritization Roadmap. There is now overwhelming evidence that immunisation of all adults with COVID-19 vaccines provides important health returns on investment. Adult immunisation is feasible in all countries with the right investments and is being actively pursued in almost all countries. However, the benefits of vaccinating children to reduce the risk of severe disease and death are much less than those associated with vaccinating older adults. Countries with few or no vaccine supply constraints should consider the issues of global equity when making policy decisions about vaccinating children and adolescents. Any guidance on vaccine use prioritization, including booster dose policy, cannot ignore the current, on-going profound inequities in global vaccine access. While higher-income countries expand their vaccination programmes to adolescents, children, and, in some countries, booster doses to a large proportion of their populations, many lower-income countries still lack sufficient vaccine supply to offer a primary vaccination series to their highest priority-use groups, including older adults and health care workers who comprise only a small proportion of their populations.
I Have Questions About Parental Consent
Parents that are separated, divorced or not living together
If parents are divorced, separated or have never lived together and they do not agree on vaccinating their child, the parent that wants their child to get vaccinated must:
Every child can get vaccinated, even if they don’t have a PHN or other documentation.
It doesn’t matter if your child is a Canadian citizen or not. All information will be kept private and will never be shared with other agencies or parts of government.
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If My Child Is Immunocompromised Or Has A Health Condition Can They Get A Third Shot
A third dose of Pfizer’s vaccine isn’t authorized or recommended for immunocompromised children ages 5 to 11.
If your child is at least 12 years old, “moderately or severely” immunocompromised and vaccinated with Pfizer, according to the CDC, they should get a third dose of Pfizer, as that’s the only vaccine that has been authorized so far. Moderna is only authorized for people age 18 and older. Examples of people who are immunocompromised include people receiving treatment for cancers in the blood or tumors, organ transplant recipients, stem cell transplant recipients, people with untreated or advanced HIV infection and people taking drugs that could suppress the immune response, per the CDC.
Last week, however, the FDA authorized Eli Lilly’s monoclonal antibody treatment for kids, which means children and even newborn babies can receive the treatment if they’re sick or were exposed and are at high risk of severe COVID-19. Children who are at high risk for COVID-19 includes kids who are obese or have diabetes, asthma or other conditions.
“Children under one year of age who are exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 may be at particularly high risk for severe COVID-19 and this authorization addresses the medical needs of this vulnerable population,” Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in the authorization release.
Do Parents Have To Give Permission
Although parental consent is being sought, children under 16 who can prove they understand the risks and benefits can ask for the vaccine – or refuse it – if they disagree with their parents.
This important legal test of whether a child can consent to treatment is known as “Gillick competence”. It is named after a famous dispute in which a teenager wanted contraceptive advice without her mother’s consent.
In practice, it would be extremely unusual for a child under 13 to be judged Gillick-competent.
Teenagers aged 16 and 17 don’t need parental permission, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
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Where Can My Child Get Vaccinated
Your child can get vaccinated at your local health unit. Health units are also called public health units, community health centres, or primary care homes in some areas of BC. Some family doctors and nurse practitioners also give vaccines. Pharmacists can vaccinate children who are five years of age and older. Services vary across BC.
Its best to book your childs appointment well in advance as clinics book up quickly. This helps to ensure your child is vaccinated on time.
Chat To The Disability Team
The team is made up of people who have experience of a disability themselves, or who have worked with the disabled community.
They can answer any questions about:
- accessibility arrangements at different vaccination centres
- getting your vaccination safely
- any effects the vaccine may have on the child or medications.
The disability team is available Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm.
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Who Is Exempt From Arrival Testing
- Already recovered: Travellers who provide a positive COVID-19 molecular pre-entry test result, conducted at least 14 and no more than 180 days before their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border crossing, are exempt from arrival testing
- Travellers arriving by boat
- Children under the age of 5
- Crew and essential service providers already exempt from arrival testing continue to be exempt
Can Children Age 4 Or Younger Get Vaccinated
Not yet. Fauci has previously said that he expects vaccines to be available to children under 5 by early 2022. On Dec. 17, Pfizer announced that it will be testing a third-dose protocol with children under 5 years old. A two-dose series of a 3-microgram version of the Pfizer vaccine demonstrated effectiveness in children 6 to 24 months, but not 2 to 5 years old.
Everyone 5 and older can get vaccinated. Kids age 12 and up have been eligible for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for a while. The other mRNA vaccine, Moderna, and the only single-dose vaccine on the US market, Johnson & Johnson, aren’t available to kids yet.
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Can I Let My Child Get The Chickenpox Instead Of Getting The Vaccine
Although chickenpox is a mild disease that many parents will remember from childhood , some children will develop serious cases with complications that can be fatal or cause permanent disabilities. The vaccine eliminates the risk of complications from the disease, and prevents children from infecting their siblings, friends and classmates.
Can Vaccines Overload My Child’s Immune System
No, vaccines do not overload the immune system. Every day, a healthy child’s immune system successfully fights off thousands of germs. When your child gets vaccines, they are getting weakened or dead germs. So even if they get several vaccines in one day, they are being exposed to a tiny amount of germs compared to what they encounter every day in their environment.
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My Child Has Allergies Can They Get The Vaccine
“If the child has a history of anaphylaxis or other severe allergies, then the observation time after the injection may be 30 minutes instead of 15,” Dr. Anne Liu, an infectious disease specialist with Stanford Hospital and Clinics and the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, said in August. So you might be asked to stick around the waiting room with your child for an extra 15 minutes so health care providers can monitor vaccine recipients for the allergic reaction that can occur after any vaccination.
Additionally, Liu said, children who are prescribed an EpiPen for any reason should bring it to their vaccine appointment.
As for adults, children with an allergy to an ingredient in Pfizer’s COVID-19 shouldn’t take it. Find a list of ingredients in Pfizer’s vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11 on the FDA’s fact sheet.
Getting The Vaccine At School
Most children will be offered a 1st and 2nd dose of the vaccine at school during school hours.
2nd doses will be offered in schools from 10 January 2022. Children who have not yet had a vaccine can get their 1st dose during these vaccination sessions.
School immunisation teams will visit your child’s school to give the vaccine.
As a parent or guardian you will get a letter or email with information about when the vaccine will be offered, and you’ll be asked to give consent.
If your child misses their COVID-19 vaccination, for any reason, they will be offered it again at a later date.
Depending on your child’s age, they may be offered another vaccine at school on the same day, such as the:
These are different vaccines and as a parent or guardian you will be asked to give consent for each vaccine.
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Children Aged 6 Months To 5 Years
Children aged 6 months to 5 years displaying one or more of these symptoms within 24 hours of vaccination must:
- stay home for an observation period of 24 hours
- avoid contact with other people.
Monitor the course of the symptoms. If the symptoms lessen or disappear, these children may resume their regular activities if their health condition allows. During the observation period, the people living with the child and who have had contact them may pursue their regular activities while taking into account public health measures.
If the symptoms are still present after the 24-hour observation period, refer to the COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool or call for the procedure to follow. You could also talk to a health professional to find out whether the child must undergo a screening test or may resume their regular activities if their health condition allows.
If symptoms appear more than 24 hours following vaccination, it is unlikely that they are related to the vaccine. Refer to the COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool or call to discover the procedure to follow.
Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines may cause reactions within 5 to 12 days of vaccination. A child displaying these symptoms during that period must:
- stay home
- avoid contact with other people for 48 hours.
During the 48-hour observation period, the people living with the child and who have had contact with them may pursue their regular activities while taking into account public health measures.
Covid Vaccines For Kids: What To Know About Boosters And More
The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccine boosters for teens 16 and older, while Pfizer tests a new three-shot vaccine protocol for kids under 5.
As the omicron variant surges around the world, US health officials are urging everyone eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot — including teens 16 and up. In early December, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Pfizer’s booster for 16- and 17-year-olds after it was authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration.
For the 19th week in a row, COVID-19 cases in children were above 100,000, according to a Dec. 20 report by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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On Dec. 17, Pfizer announced it would be testing a new three-shot vaccine protocol on children aged 6 months to 5 years.
Teens as young as 16 can get boosted as long as six months have passed since their second Pfizer shot. Kids younger than 16 can’t get a booster yet, but children ages 5 and up can be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Pfizer’s vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11 is one-third of a regular dose, a slightly different formula and given with a smaller needle. It was and recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after data showing an encouraging safety profile and high effectiveness was reviewed by independent committees to the CDC and FDA.
As the COVID-19 landscape continues to change, here’s what we know about COVID-19 vaccines for kids.
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Should My Child Receive Any Other Vaccines
The CPS recommends that all children over 6 months old get aflu shot each year. The vaccine is especially important for children less than 5 years of age, and for older children with chronic conditions who are at high risk of complications from the flu. The flu shot is also safe and highly recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Since infants less than 6 months of age cannot get the flu shot , antibodies against the flu are transferred to the baby from the mother before birth and through breast milk.
The CPS also urges all children and youth age 5 years and older to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
If travelling, speak to your doctor about vaccines that can protect your child.
How Many Shots Do Children Need
Although vaccines are combined to reduce the number of shots needed, the list is still long.
Here is a common immunization schedule recommended by age 2:
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One vaccination for measles, mumps, and rubella
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Four vaccinations for Haemophilus influenza , a common upper respiratory infection that can also cause meningitis
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Three to four polio vaccinations
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Four vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
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Three vaccinations for hepatitis B
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One vaccination for varicella no earlier than age 12 months and only if your child does not develop chickenpox on his or her own
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Three vaccinations for rotavirus, a type of infection that causes severe diarrhea
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Four vaccinations for pneumococcal disease, a common cause of ear infections and pneumonia
From age 4 to 6, your child will need booster shots for DPT, IPV, MMR, and chickenpox. Children should also start receiving a yearly flu shot after age 6 months. A vaccination for hepatitis A is recommended for all children. This is a lot to keep track of and why you need an immunization records form.
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The Who Says Children Should Not Receive Covid
The World Health Organization published revised advice on June 21, 2021, clarifying which populations should receive COVID-19 vaccines. The WHO’s website now states, ‘Children should not be vaccinated for the moment.’
Furthermore, the WHO says ‘There is not yet enough evidence on the use of vaccines against COVID-19 in children to make recommendations for children to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Children and adolescents tend to have milder disease compared to adults.’
‘However, children should continue to have the recommended childhood vaccines.’
Additionally, the WHO confirmed ‘COVID-19 vaccines are safe for most people 18 years and older, including those with pre-existing conditions of any kind, including auto-immune disorders. These conditions include hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver, and kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled.’
‘While a COVID-19 vaccine will prevent serious illness and death, we still dont know the extent to which it keeps you from being infected and passing the virus on to others. The more we allow the virus to spread, the more opportunity the virus has to change.’
This WHO advice conflicts with the U.S. FDA’s authorization on May 10, 2021, to include people 12 years old in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination program.
How Does Immunisation Work
Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way to protect children against certain diseases. The serious health risks of these diseases are far greater than the very small risks of immunisation.
Immunisation protects children against harmful infections before they come into contact with them in the community.
It uses the bodys natural defence mechanism the immune system to build resistance to specific infections. Generally it takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for the immune system to respond fully.
Vaccination is the term used for getting a vaccine that is, getting the injection or taking an oral vaccine dose. Immunisation refers to the process of both getting the vaccine and becoming immune to the disease after vaccination.
Learn more about the difference between vaccination and immunisation.
Vaccines for babies and young children are funded under the Department of Health’s National Immunisation Program.
In Australia, babies and children are immunised against the following diseases:
The hepatitis A vaccine is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in high-risk areas .
Children aged 6 months to under 5 years can have the flu vaccine for free each year. It is available in autumn. Children aged 12 to 13 should be vaccinated against human papillomavirus through their schools.
Most vaccines recommended in the program are given by injection. Some combine several vaccines in the one injection.
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