Tips

What Parents Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccine Preparation and Aftercare for Their Children

"Vaccinating children is of utmost importance and parents play a crucial role in ensuring their child's well-being before and after the Covid-19 vaccination. It is essential for parents to be well-informed and prepared for their child's Covid-19 vaccination journey. This includes understanding the potential side effects, any necessary precautions, and how to best care for their child post-vaccination. By being proactive and knowledgeable, parents can contribute to a smoother and safer experience for their children, ensuring their protection and overall health."

Administrator

7 August, 2024

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Children’s well-being is always a primary concern, especially when it comes to vaccinations. Today, let’s explore the information parents need to prepare their children before and after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

1. Preparing Children for the COVID-19 Vaccine

According to Master’s degree holder and physician, Nguyen Hien Minh, Deputy Head of the Vaccination Unit at the University Medical Center in Ho Chi Minh City, to ensure a safe and smooth vaccination process for your child, parents need to take care of the following:

Prepare Necessary Documents

Prepare any medications or prescriptions your child is currently taking

Bring your prescriptions, medical records, or vaccination booklets (if available) so that the vaccinating physician can review them and determine the suitability of the COVID-19 vaccine for your child.
Additionally, bring along your child’s vaccination records for other vaccines when they receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
It is also convenient to bring your child’s ID or passport for easier information registration.

Prepare Your Child’s Health Before Vaccination

Ensure your child is well-rested before vaccination

Ensure your child gets ample rest and sleeps early the night before the vaccination.
Explain the vaccination process to your child to ease any anxiety and ensure they are comfortable and calm.
As suggested by the 115 Hospital website, consider giving your child a light snack to prevent hunger while waiting.
To boost your child’s health, you can give them a multivitamin effervescent tablet or oral rehydration solution after a meal before the vaccination.
For girls, if they are menstruating, it is generally not necessary to postpone the vaccination unless they are experiencing severe cramps, nausea, fatigue, or a fever.

For further reference:

2. Monitoring Your Child After the COVID-19 Vaccination

Ensure your child stays hydrated and monitor their health after vaccination

After the vaccination, it is important to observe the following:

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to help reduce fever.
Apply a cold compress at the injection site to alleviate swelling and pain. Do not keep the compress in place for more than 30 minutes at a time.
Ensure your child rests at home after the vaccination and refrains from strenuous physical activities on the day of vaccination.
Monitor your child’s health for at least 30 minutes after the vaccination at the vaccination site, and immediately report any adverse symptoms to the medical staff.

For more information:

We have provided you with essential information on preparing your child before and after the COVID-19 vaccination. Please refer to these guidelines to ensure your child’s well-being during the vaccination process.

Source: 115 Hospital Website

Frequently asked questions

The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect children from the virus. It helps to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and long-term health issues associated with COVID-19. By getting vaccinated, children can also help protect their family, friends, and community from the spread of the virus.

Parents can start by educating themselves and their children about the vaccine. They can talk to their child’s doctor to get personalized advice and information. It’s important to explain to children what to expect before, during, and after the vaccination, and to address any fears or concerns they may have. Practical preparations include ensuring your child is well-rested and has a meal beforehand. Bringing along a comfort item, like a favorite toy, can also help ease any anxiety.

Mild side effects are common and typically indicate that the vaccine is working to build protection. These may include soreness or redness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, fever, or nausea. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Parents should monitor their child closely after vaccination and contact a doctor if they have any concerns. Encourage your child to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Over-the-counter medications can help with discomfort, but always check with your child’s doctor first.

COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in children and offer strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization. The need for booster shots may vary depending on your location and the recommendations of health authorities. Currently, booster shots are typically recommended for older age groups, but this may change as more data becomes available.

Parents should always refer to trusted sources for information. Official health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local health departments provide up-to-date guidance and recommendations. Reputable medical journals and websites, as well as your child’s pediatrician, can also offer reliable advice tailored to your child’s needs.