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Barwon Health / Barwon South West Public Health Unit

(03) 4215 4000

Partnership helping to protect our younger COVIDsafe heroes

Tuesday, 01 February 2022
Recently the Barwon South West Public Health Unit, in partnership with Diversitat ran a very successful special pop-up children’s vaccination clinic, with over 65 children receiving their vaccination at Diversitat's Northern Hub.
 
the Diversitat team decorated the place with balloons and used bubbles to create a happy atmosphere and each child had their colouring in pens and drawing sheets to pass the time after receiving their vaccination.
 
Here are a few of the brave, happy kids (pictured) who participated and what they had to say about the experience:
  •  Kaw Rawee: “Before getting my vaccine, I was excited that I would get protection but also a bit nervous.”
  • Deborah’s Grandmother (Ntumba) told her that “when she gets the vaccine she will be protected when she goes to School and meet many people.”
  • Zainab said when her Mum booked her in, she was “so scared but when the needle got into her skin, she wasn’t scared anymore because it didn’t hurt and she didn’t feel it.”
  • Ayaan’s Mum said she explains to her kids that “they should get the vaccine to be protected and to keep others safe”.
This clinic was held in the lead up to school returning. While many parents and guardians will be rejoicing as their children head back to school this week, some families may be anxious about what the year ahead may bring for their child and their education.
 
We have created a check list of a few actions you can take to help with a COVIDsafe return to school:
 
𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤-𝐭𝐨-𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭:
  • Ensure your child has received or has booked their COVID-19 vaccination. The Community Vaccination Hub in Norlane is providing vaccinations for children aged 5-11 years. Our vaccination team have been working to ensure the hub is a calm and welcoming environment. An enchanted forest has been created to help children feel comfortable and welcome. Make a booking for a vaccination at our enchanted forest here https://bit.ly/35TpSGl. Many GPs and pharmacies are also offering child vaccinations. *For children with special needs, please contact Barwon Health's Disability Liaison Office who can assist you with your child's vaccination options on 0434 856 014 or [email protected]
  • Ensure everyone in your household who is eligible has received their booster. A COVID-19 booster dose helps prevent waning immunity and increases protection against COVID-19. It is also the best way to protect those who aren’t yet fully vaccinated in your family.
  • Ensure you have masks on hand for all children in your household from grade 3 and above. Masks are mandatory in the classroom for grade 3 and above, however it is recommended that children from prep also wear masks if possible.
  • Ensure you are up to date with your school’s COVIDsafe policies. This includes collecting your rapid antigen tests (RATs) required for the first four weeks of school.
  • Finally, if your child feels unwell do not send them to school and try to arrange a test before they return to school.
PHOTO CREDIT: Hadeel Al-Badran
 
PHOTO: Deborah after her vaccination with her grandmother Ntumba.