As eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination now includes children 5–11, parents may want to consider preparing their children in advance of the needlestick.
“Vaccines and shots are always a stressful part of the visits for our kids,” says Dr. Tina Ardon, a family medicine physician at Mayo Clinic and mom of three. “Talking about that ahead of time was really helpful for them, as you can explain what to expect and why it’s important to take the vaccines.”
Children 5 to 11 are now eligible for two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, with age-appropriate doses, as are children 12 and older. The Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines have not yet been approved for children.