The Covid-19 vaccination for children aged 6-11 years has been carried out since Tuesday (12/14/2021) yesterday. Parents need to prepare all the needs of their children before getting the vaccine. UB Psychology Lecturer, Ari Pratiwi S.Psi., M.Psi gives tips so that vaccinations for children run smoothly.
- Provides children’s understanding regarding vaccines
Ari Pratiwi suggested that the Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 6-11 years should be discussed with immunization.
“They are of elementary school age, so at this age there are several immunizations being carried out. And they already know enough about this,” she said. By providing the same understanding as other immunizations, according to Ari Pratiwi, the condition of the child will not be too anxious before receiving the Covid-19 vaccination.
- Give an example of parents who have been vaccinated
At the age of 6-11 years the role of parents is still big. According to Ari Pratiwi, it will be easier for children to notify since their parents have previously been vaccinated.
“At this age, they are the easiest to imitate. So if the parents have been vaccinated and there are no symptoms of AEFI, the child will not be afraid,” said the alumni of the University of Indonesia.
With the role model of parents who have been vaccinated, Ari Pratiwi believes that children will happily receive the vaccination process.
- Give knowledge through fairy tales
The conditions will be different if the parents have not been vaccinated because of certain conditions that prevent them from being vaccinated. If there is this condition, Ari Pratiwi considers parents need to introduce their children to the corona virus.
“If children don’t know what Corona is like, introduce them to educational books about Corona. Explain what a vaccine is, a vaccine can prevent disease so it must be injected. Say good things about vaccines,” he said.
In addition, telling vaccination process to children through fairy tales can also be done.
“Small elementary school ages such as grades 1, 2 or 3 can go through fairy tales or cartoons. You can tell them, for example, that we want to put this soldier in a syringe, which will later protect the body,” added Ari Pratiwi.
- Keep the child’s mood and psychological condition
Before the child is vaccinated, the condition of the child is ensured to be comfortable. Ari Pratiwi said that if the vaccination process was carried out with school friends, the condition would be easier.
“You have to create a comfortable atmosphere. Especially if the vaccine is crowded with friends. When immunizing they are also together, queue together. This will relieve stress,” said the lecturer who is also a counselor in UB student counseling service.
But the most important thing, according to Ari is the message from parents before the child receives the vaccine.
“Give them a message like being brave before they get vaccinated. And when you go home, give your children a reward for having been vaccinated,” she continued.
- Anticipation of AEFI
Adverse Events Post Immunization (AEFI) must be anticipated from the start by parents. Ari Pratiwi explained that children need to reduce their level of anxiety, one of which is reducing information about AEFI that cause death.
Then what is also important, said Ari Pratiwi, is to convince children to continue to take the second dose of vaccine.
“For children ages 6-11, we don’t know how many doses we will take. Yesterday, my son is 13, the first vaccine was safe, while the second vaccine he felt sick and had a fever. For example, the age of 6-11 years has two doses, caring must be taken not to traumatize the second vaccine,” she explained.
“Take care of their psychology. For example, you can say that the soldiers are at war, so it’s okay to get a little sick, but then the body will be more awake. Give positive suggestions,” added Ari.
Parents also need to prepare drugs such as Paracetamol. Provide understanding if for example the body is warm is also okay.
“Parents also must take care of the child’s physical condition as they know the date on which their child will be vaccinated. Keep the mood on the D day,” concluded Ari Pratiwi, UB Psychology lecturer. (Humas FISIP/Humas UB/ Trans. Iir)
