COVID-19 Vaccination - Preparing Your Tamariki

COVID-19 Vaccination - Preparing Your Tamariki

Quick tips for your child's COVID vaccination - what to do before, during and after your child has their vaccine.

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How can I prepare my tamariki for a COVID vaccination?

Before going to your vaccination

  • have plenty to eat and drink
  • wear loose clothing allowing access to their arms
  • be patient and delicate with our tamariki through the process
  • answer questions as best you can - if you don't know, seek advice (from health/local providers)

During the vaccination

Support our tamariki in the way that's best for them.

A - aroha, treat them with love and kindness.

W - whakarongo, be responsive to them and their questions.

H - hold their hand, or comfort them in other ways (like rubbing their back)

I - interact, be present throughout the whole process

Immediately after the vaccination

  • monitor side effects such as sore arms, dizziness, headaches, feeling sick (nausea), tiredness
  • contact Healthline, your GP or emergency services if you have concerns
  • take it easy - don't plan to do anything too exhausting afterward

More information

Check more information about COVID-19 immunisation for 5 to 11 year olds, including videos about how you can talk to your child about having the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 immunisation for 5 to 11 year olds

Acknowledgements

The resources on this page have been produced by Hāpai Te Hauora - Māori Public Health.

This page last reviewed 17 December 2023.

Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 any time of the day or night for free health advice when you need it