Kids vax now open

Bookings for COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5-11 are now available at various locations across Gippsland, including at participating general practices (GPs), pharmacies and state-run community vaccination centres.

The program provided allows all children aged 5 to 11 to receive at least one Cominarty (Pfizer) vaccine dose before they return to school, and their second dose eight weeks later, before the end of term 1.

Vaccination is not mandatory to attend school, but it is highly encouraged to keep all children and their families safe.

The dose that will be given to children in this age group is a smaller dose of the Pfizer vaccine that is given to adults.

If a child is under 12 years of age at their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination they will receive the paediatric dose. If they turn 12 prior to the administration of the second dose then they will receive the adult dose for this second vaccination.

Common side effects are similar to those experienced with any childhood vaccinations and include pain and redness at the injection site, tiredness, headaches, fevers and chills. Less commonly children may experience joint pains, muscle pains and vomiting. These side effects are generally mild and only last 1-2 days.

Gippsland Region Public Health Unit Operations Manager, Annelies Titulaer said the COVID-19 vaccines had been tested and shown to be safe and effective in protecting against serious illness and reducing the likelihood of COVID-19 spreading.
“They are important to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19 and to reduce disruption to your child’s education and out-of-school activities,” she said.

Online bookings: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccineappointment.
Or call 1800 675 398 between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week.

Please note: To book online, you will need to register an account for your child using an email address that is not already registered on the system.

Information about vaccinations for children and teenagers is available at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-children-and-teenagers