By Deanne Jeffers
SHEPPARTON’S McIntosh Centre has had a makeover and last week the first cohort of young children, aged 5-11 years, received their very first Covid vaccination.
Now decorated with forest accessories, Shepparton’s vaccination hub has been equipped with a kid-friendly observation area, a sensory room, and show bags including a colouring-in book by First Nations artist Emma Bamblett, coloured pencils, stickers and fidget spinners.
JACK Hume, aged six, and Harper Chasemore, aged eight, were amongst the first children to receive their Covid vaccine and stick a leaf with their name on the new ‘eucalyptus vaccination tree’.
For the parents of both children, the decision to vaccinate their young children was not difficult.
Harper’s mother, Kristen Chasemore said, “I have two teenage daughters, one who will start Year 12 this year. We have a busy family life and being vaccinated gives our family protection to get back to our normal lives.”
Vaccinating young children has been dubbed as the best move in ensuring that students can get back to the classroom in 2022, following a stop-start year.
This rings true for Jack’s parents, Jade and Clinton Hume, who said they have had some close calls at daycare with Coronavirus transmission and said they were excited that vaccines had become available.
Dr Olga Illic, who cared for Harper on the day, said that it was natural that some parents and children were feeling nervous about junior vaccinations.
She said, “To help your child’s nerves, parents should explain to kids why they’re being vaccinated and the benefits of immunisation. We’re very experienced here and we know lots of tips and tricks to help children or parents who feel apprehensive.”
Children’s vaccinations will take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings during the school holidays at the Vaccination Hub at the McIntosh Centre in Shepparton.
Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 1800 675 398 (and select options 1-1-1) or online from January 14th at https://cvms.powerappsportals.com.
