Scared & Brave, a 9 year olds’ tips for the vaccination

My nine year old daughter, Isla had her first Covid-19 vaccination on Tuesday.  Despite having experience with medical play and us discussing the process, she was still scared. I kept telling her to be brave and that it would only hurt for a short while, and in that incredible way, kids can put adults firmly in their place with their inexplicable logic, she looked me in the eye with a mixture of pity and arrogance and stated ‘I can be scared and brave at the same time’. 

Yes!  this is so so true of so many things and stated in such simple terms I thought it was a great mantra to share with other parents right now.  
After it was over, I asked her what tips she would give other kids who were afraid to have their vaccination and here is what she said:

  1. Decide if you want the needle in your arm or leg and which arm.  
    Old smarty pants told me she wanted it in her right arm which we realised was so she would have a valid excuse not to do any writing/work that day in case it was ‘sore’. Luckily, I saw through that.  She then decided that she would have it in her left arm, because she didn’t want her leg to be sore to prevent her from skateboarding or practising her keepy ups (keeping her football off the ground).

  1. Look away from the needle

  2. Squeeze your Mum or Dad’s hand really hard as this will distract you.

  3. It’s okay to cry

  4. Count to 3, that’s all it takes

The nurses, educators and assistants at Gleneagles Hospital were excellent. Cheerful, friendly and very well organised.  Make sure you have all your paperwork signed before you get there as this decreases waiting time which will also decrease any escalation in anxiety. 

Once you are in the little cubicle, the nurse will only ask you to check your child’s name and then she gives the vaccination. Our nurse was kind and quick, I’d give her 10/10 for sure.

If you are still concerned about whether your child will be able to have their needle, consider booking in for some medical play sessions and read our ‘Preparing your child for vaccination’ blog!



Leith Stewart