COVID-19 Vaccination - Preparing Your Tamariki
COVID-19 Vaccination - Preparing Your Tamariki
Quick tips for your child's COVID vaccination - what to do before, during and after your child has their vaccine.
How can I prepare my 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 immunisation for 5 to 11 year olds, including videos about how you can talk to your child about having the COVID-19 vaccine.
This page last reviewed 17 December 2023.
Do you have any feedback for KidsHealth?
If you have any feedback about the KidsHealth website, or have a suggestion for new content, please get in touch with us.
Email us now