One young resident in Hampshire and Isle of Wight has taken the opportunity to help reassure others her age about what happens when you attend for your vaccine appointment.
So far, over 21,000 children aged 5 to 11 years in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have come forward and received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Children this age receive two smaller doses, 12 weeks apart, while those aged 12 plus receive the standard size dose.
In the run up to the summer holidays, the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has seen an increase in demand for this age group with many families getting ready to go on holiday or deciding to get vaccinated before the autumn. There are thousands of bookable and walk-in spots available throughout the summer, so would encourage people to look online and find a time and location that is convenient for them.
We understand that some children and their parents or guardians may be nervous about attending, so Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Solent NHS Trust have teamed up with one young local vaccine champion to show them what it is like when a child comes in for their appointment. The video has been shot by the child herself, so the view is from her height.
Matt Nisbet, GP and Clinical Lead of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said:
“We recognise that the summer holidays can be a really busy time for families and getting vaccinated isn’t necessarily going to be top of their priority list. However, with cases of COVID on the rise and lots of people planning to travel, being up to date with your vaccinations not only reduces the risk of you getting seriously ill, but also stops the spread of this virus.
“We know that some people including young children have felt unsure or nervous about attending their vaccine appointment, so are delighted we could support this video. We hope it goes some way to encouraging more people to feel confident in getting jabbed this summer.”
Angela Anderson, deputy chief nurse and clinical director for the vaccination service at Solent NHS Trust, said:
“Our friendly teams will be on hand across the summer holidays to support parents and children who wish to receive the COVID vaccine.
“We’ve transformed our vaccination centres to create an environment where children feel more comfortable and reassured. Our teams – many of whom are specialists in working with children – can answer any questions or offer advice.
“We know that as well as protecting children and young people against serious infection, getting vaccinated also reduces the risk of passing it onto others.”
We know getting vaccinated can also help reduce the risk of disruption to education and getting jabbed now, means the second one will be in 12 weeks’ time and ahead of winter, where we have expect to see a further rise in cases.
If you have any questions about getting your child vaccinated including the latest information on what to expect afterwards, you can contact the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 helpline on 0300 561 0018 (Open between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm at weekends).