Original article from healthychildren.org
The COVID-19 virus is still spreading. During the holidays, your family will likely be exposed to many more people while traveling and attending holiday parties. That’s why getting the vaccine and updated booster shot are the best things to do to keep your kids healthy this holiday season. It also helps ensure that your kids can continue attending child care, school and other activities that are so important for their physical and mental health in the new year and beyond.
All eligible kids should get the COVID vaccine so they are ready to resist infection—and it’s an important way to protect the health of others.
A vaccine for babies, kids & teens
The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for kids 6 months old and up. The COVID vaccine dose your child will get is based on their age. Your Kids First Provider can explain which vaccine is right for your baby, child or teen.
Here’s a checklist as you prepare for your child’s COVID vaccination:
✅Call your child’s Kids First Provider and tell them you ‘re planning to have your child vaccinated. Ask them questions about any concerns you may have. (Raleigh: 919-250-3478 or Clayton: 919-267-1499)✅Schedule your child’s COVID-19 vaccine appointment at Kids First Pediatrics, a vaccination clinic, pharmacy, community vaccination site, church or school.✅Your child can also receive routine shots at the same appointment for the COVID-19 shot. This includes getting an annual influenza shot. Ask if your child is caught up on all recommended immunizations.✅Talk with your child before the appointment. Many parents may have concerns about how their child might act when they need a shot. But there are simple ways to help make it a positive, calm experience.✅After your child receives their vaccine, schedule the next dose. Kids age 5 years and up should get an updated booster when it is time. Kids First Pediatrics will keep a copy of the card in your child’s medical record. Your child’s day care, preschool, school, or college health office also may need a copy of the card.✅If your child is 5 years old or older and has a medical condition or takes medicine that weakens the immune system, another dose may be recommended.✅Keep the paper vaccination card you will receive! Don’t laminate the vaccination card, in case more information needs to be added. Take a photo of it or copy it and keep everything in a safe place. And to avoid identity theft risk, don’t share a photo of the card on social media.Sign up for COVID vaccine safety text program
Parents and guardians: Sign your child up for COVID-19 vaccination safety checks with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) v-safe program. V-safe sends text messages with links to web surveys, allowing you to share how your child is feeling after vaccination. If you report seeking medical care during a health check-in, the CDC will follow up by phone.
Remember
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all eligible infants, children, and adults aged 6 months and older should get COVID vaccines. People are considered up to date if they have received all recommended doses and boosters for their age. Encourage your child to keep doing their part to protect others. Then they can get back to activities they enjoy, like play groups, sports, traveling and holiday fun, with some added confidence that they are protected!
*This article is informational but is not a substitute for medical attention or information from your provider.
Resources
Ask the Pediatrician: What should parents know about the COVID vaccine for kids under 5?
COVID Vaccines for Kids 6 Months and Older: FAQs for Families
Article Source: https://healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Getting-Your-Child-Ready-for-the-COVID-19-Vaccine.aspx
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