Parents and carers in the ACT are being reminded by a new information video of the importance of making sure their children are vaccinated against COVID-19.
Produced by the Commonwealth Department of Health, the video features GP and Senior Doctor at Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (HSAC), Dr Aleeta Fejo who answers important questions about children and the COVID-19 vaccines.
Dr Fejo, a Larrakia and Warumungu traditional owner and Elder, said fake stories and misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines were unfortunately very common, especially on social media.
She said it was natural for parents to have questions about giving their kids the jab.
“COVID-19 is a serious illness that can affect everyone—including children,” Dr Fejo said.
“Vaccines can help stop your child becoming very sick, or even dying, if they catch the virus,” she said.
“Vaccines may also help protect against a serious inflammatory syndrome that can occur in a small number of children after they get COVID-19.”
Dr Fejo said all vaccines approved for use in children had been rigorously tested before being given the seal of approval: “they’re fine for kids to get.”
She said that like adults, children might experience some mild side effects after their vaccine.
“Side effects are perfectly normal and are actually a sign that the vaccine is teaching your child’s body how to fight the virus,” she said.
“The sorts of things you’d see after any vaccination can include fever, chills, headache and soreness where they’ve been injected.
“They don’t happen to everyone, and don’t usually last too long.”
Dr Fejo said catching COVID-19 would give children some immunity, “but we’re not sure how much or for how long, so it’s important they still get vaccinated after they’ve recovered”.
“This helps to further protect them for longer,” she said.
Health suggested parents and carers use the National Centre for Immunisation and Research and Surveillance’s (NCIRS) decision aid to assist them in making the right choice for their families.
The Department’s three-minute video featuring Dr Fejo can be accessed at this PS News link and NCIRS’s decision aid can be accessed at this link.
