We are so grateful to Dana, of House of Navy, for partnering with us to share her family’s immunization story! View Dana’s blog post here.
Our family has been enjoying the Michigan summer, with plenty of trips within the Great Lakes State. From camping at Silver Lake Sand Dunes to a week spent exploring in Traverse City wine country, Leland’s historic fishtown, and Glen Arbor’s Sleeping Bear Dunes, we are making the most of this season, especially after two years of cancelled plans and postponed trips.
Despite ever-changing variants, we feel confident in traveling again, especially with the recent authorization for COVID-19 immunization for children under 5 years old. It is more important than ever to protect our family, and we feel confident in our pediatrician’s recommendation in vaccinating our children for everything they suggest, including COVID-19. The recently expanded authorization is for children 6 months and older, meaning both Sloane and Warren are eligible! Immunizations are now available and can be scheduled with your pediatrician or given at their next wellness visit.
How to Prepare for Kids COVID-19 Immunization
1. Do Your Research
It is common for any parent to have questions about vaccinations. You can check out resources like IVaccinate.org for frequently asked questions, as well as resources like recommended immunization schedules or childcare and school requirements. Make a list and share your thoughts or concerns with your pediatrician. In our experience, they are always happy to listen and share their professional opinion. This gives us so much comfort and confidence in making decisions for our family.
2. Come Prepared
As a parent, I know I am both comfort and security for my children. Before immunizations, I like to offer distraction and comfort, cuddling, smiles, and lots of encouragement and eye contact. Going to the doctor can be overwhelming for kids, so coming prepared and positive helps my kids adjust and relax.
3. Comfort After Your Kids COVID-19 Immunization
After receiving their shot, I choose to comfort and cuddle my kids. Packing a favorite stuffed animal or a blanket from home that smells and feels familiar can help to calm and soothe. For my daughter, I’ll nurse her, or offer my toddler a juice. Our pediatrician even offers a sticker or surprise toy sometimes! My boys absolutely love this.
As parents, we are all doing the best we can to provide for and protect our children, and one way our family does that is through the kids COVID-19 immunization. Remember, having questions is normal! Luckily there are many resources available to give us confidence in choosing the best options for our family.