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What you need to know about kids COVID shots

BOOKINGS for COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5-11 are now available at various locations across Gippsland, including at participating general practices (GPs), pharmacies and state-run community vaccination centres.

by Michael Giles

Published January 06, 2022

What you need to know about kids COVID shots

COVID vaccination bookings open for children aged 5 – 11 years

The commencement of this vaccination program provides an opportunity for all children aged 5 to 11 to receive at least one vaccine dose before they return to school, and their second dose before the end of Term 1 2022.

Vaccination is not mandatory to attend school, but it is highly encouraged to keep all children and their families safe.

“With the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation in our community we know that many parents are eager to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible,” said GRPHU Operations Manager, Annelies Titulaer.

“Parents are strongly encouraged to book their child or children in to receive their first vaccination before Term 1 of school begins. COVID-19 vaccines have been tested and shown to be safe and effective in protecting against serious illness and reducing the likelihood of COVID-19 spreading.

“They are important to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19 and to reduce disruption to your child’s education and out-of-school activities.

“Longer appointments will be made at our community vaccination centres for children of this age group having their COVID vaccination to ensure the child and their parent or guardian are comfortable and informed.

“We acknowledge that COVID boosters are running concurrently during this time and we will continue to open appointments for 5-11 year olds based on demand and staffing levels.”

The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU) has put together some common questions that may help in preparing for a child’s immunisation:

When will COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5-11 be available?

Our community vaccination centres are ready to deliver these vaccines. We have opened our online bookings at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccineappointment. People can also make an appointment by calling 1800 675 398 between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week. Please note, to book online, you will need to register an account for your child using an email address that is not already registered on the system. This could be a new or alternative email address used by you or your child.

What vaccine will my child receive?

Children aged 5-11 will be eligible to receive the Cominarty (Pfizer) COVID vaccination. This will involve two doses given eight weeks apart. The dose that will be given to children in this age group is a smaller dose of the Pfizer vaccine that is given to adults.

What if my child will turn 12 before the second dose is due?

If your child is under 12 years of age at their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination they will receive the paediatric dose. If they turn 12 prior to the administration of the second dose then they will receive the adult dose for this second vaccination.

What are the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for my child?

Most children who contract COVID-19 have mild symptoms only. A small proportion of children can develop more serious symptoms. This risk of more serious disease is greater in children with underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, neurological disease, obesity and immunocompromise. Occasionally, children with no underlying medical conditions can become seriously unwell with COVID-19 infection. Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in preventing serious illness from the infection in children in this age group. Vaccination will help to reduce the risk of your child getting sick from COVID-19 and therefore also reduce the risk of interruption to their normal lives in terms of absence from school and other associated activities. Vaccination will also help to reduce the risk of your child transmitting the virus to others including family members who may be more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 infection.

What are the risks of vaccination for my child?

Common side effects are similar to those experienced with any childhood vaccinations and include pain and redness at the injection site, tiredness, headaches, fevers and chills. Less commonly children may experience joint pains, muscle pains and vomiting. These side effects are generally mild and only last 1-2 days. Please arrange an appointment with your GP to discuss vaccination for your child should you have any further questions or concerns.

What should I bring?

For information on what to bring to a vaccine appointment please visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist-your-covid-19-vaccination#what-to-bringwith-you-to-your-vaccine-appointment.

Support for students with disability

There is extra support for students with disabilities and specialist requirements to access COVID-19 vaccinations. Parents of children with disability who need extra assistance to access a vaccination should contact specialist Disability Liaison Officers who can help make the process easier at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-people-disability. The Association for Children with a Disability will hold a Facebook live session for families with children with additional needs on Tuesday 11 January at 10.30am.

More information Resources are available to help parents and their child prepare for the vaccination: