Prepping for kids’ vaccination

PETALING JAYA: Kids may say the darndest things, but parents are making darn sure their children are protected from Covid-19.

They are doing their best before and after their children’s vaccination to ensure they are comfortable, informed and protected.

Communication executive Fairuz Mohd Shahar, 36, from Seri Kembangan, has been using visual tools to help her children understand the need for vaccination.

“Knowing my kids, they are visual learning kids, so I show them educational videos (in the form of cartoons/animation) on YouTube on how vaccines work to fight against the virus.

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“I try to explain in a fun way – for instance, when a vaccine enters your body, you have installed a shield like how Captain America uses his shield to fight the enemy. They give positive feedback, saying they look forward to getting their shot,” she said when contacted.

In preparation for the vaccination, Fairuz said she would be using her previous experience from the scheduled immunisation to stay ahead.

“Once the kids receive the vaccine, parents should be prepared for any side effects. Like last time after my third child received his MMR shot, he had a fever.

“So, I was on standby to keep him hydrated with milk, bathed him with water to reduce his temperature and monitored his condition.

“If his condition had worsened, I would have proceeded to take him to the doctor. But thankfully, he only had a fever for one day.

“I will apply the same method for the Covid-19 vaccine,” he said, adding that parents should be prepared for side effects their kids might get and must have plans on how to deal with them.

Takaful agent Idaliz Hani, 41, from Bandar Baru Bangi, said it is always best to keep the children well informed about Covid-19 and the vaccine.

“We have to tell them about the need for vaccination, the current situation and, of course, what the benefits and risks are.

“I find that when you are honest, it helps the children trust your decision and in return, they will be mentally prepared,” she said.

“So, make sure the kids are well-rested, have eaten properly and are hydrated. After the vaccination, you have to monitor their reaction at least for 72 hours, because they can have a fever or other side effects,” she added.

Homemaker Namira Azrah Bashir, 39, from Gombak said she had always made sure her three children take their multivitamins every day even before the pandemic.

“I have been giving my kids multivitamins since they were young. My husband works in the pharmaceutical business, so we ensure our kids always stay protected.

“We are going to vaccinate our kids – we will see how the first round goes, then we will proceed to get them vaccinated.

“Usually after vaccination, I give my kids a painkiller for the fever and pain,” she said.

Rahmat Khairulrijal Borhan, 35, said he decided to enrol his seven-year-old daughter in the immunisation programme for children due to the increase in Covid-19 clusters in the education sector.

As his daughter is starting her primary school in March, Rahmat said he was concerned about her adherence to the standard operating procedure because of her young age, and wanted to offer her better protection against the virus.

“I cannot expect her to follow the SOP all the time because they are kids, so it’s better to have some protection.

“I decided on it as soon as I heard the news that registration for kids was open and as soon as my wife said okay, I registered my daughter,” said the private sector worker.

Rahmat stood firm in his decision to vaccinate his child, adding that the World Health Organisation and the authorities have conducted tests and research before allowing children to receive the shot.