Preparing your 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 vaccination for children, including videos about how you can talk to your child about having the COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccination For Children
Healthline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116. Call Healthline if you need advice about a child of any age who is unwell, hurt, or has any symptoms of sickness. It's free to callers throughout New Zealand, including from a mobile phone.
Acknowledgements
The resources on this page have been produced by Hāpai Te Hauora - Māori Public Health.
