A VACCINE expert has shared everything Irish parents need to know about bringing their child for the Covid-19 vaccine.
Dr Lucy Jessop of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee says more information will soon be released to parents and children ahead of the jab rollout.
It comes as Taoiseach Micheal Martin this week revealed that children with underlying conditions will start to receive their vaccines from next week.
And all kids aged between five and 11 will start to get the jabs from January 10.
Meanwhile, Dr Jessop has said some information about vaccines in children has already been released by NIAC so that parents and children can make “informed decisions for themselves”.
Speaking to RTE’s Drivetime, she said: “Parents always want to have appropriate information around the vaccine, and this is a new vaccine being offered to children.
“So I know parents will want to read the information, which is why we want to give them plenty of time to consider it.
“This vaccine has been through trials and it has been already approved in America, Canada and Israel.”
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And the jab expert has revealed some tips for parents who are set to bring their children in to get vaccinated.
Dr Jessop said that because kids will get their jabs in vaccine centres, it is a good idea for parents to bring a toy, a book or something else to distract the child.
She said: “And it’s important as parents always would do if they’re taking their children to appointments like this, they can bring a toy with them, a book, or headphones or ear defenders or anything that they might need to make their child feel more comfortable and to distract them from the appointment.”
And she added: “We will be making sure that the clinics are more child-friendly, and we will be making sure that there are longer appointments so that children can feel more comfortable in the environment.
KIDS WITH PARTICULAR NEEDS
“And any children with particular needs, for example if they might need to come at a quieter time, that there will be that opportunity as well.”
The NIAC doctor also revealed that some information is being put together at the moment that parents can share with their kids.
This is so they can “understand the process beforehand”, and help the kids understand why they may want to get vaccinated.
She said the information will explain the “risks and benefits for the child”.
SIMILAR SIDE EFFECTS
Dr Jessop also explained that the side effects of the Covid-19 vaccine are very similar to what adults experience, including “feeling tired, headaches, muscle pains, those kinds of things”.
And she said she hopes that the jab will be a smooth experience for most children.
The health expert said: “It’s only a tiny pinch at the time of the vaccination and hopefully they don’t experience too many side effects, and they will be happy enough to come back (for their second dose).
“Children are given their MMR and four in one at school even when their parents aren’t present, so I think they’re probably more comfortable when their parents or guardians are present with them in the clinic.”