Tips for calming your child’s nerves while they get a Covid-19 vaccine

EL PASO, Texas — The news of a Covid-19 vaccine now readily available for kids five to eleven may be welcome news for parents but the thought of getting a shot is scary for some kids.

Dr. Sarah Martin, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center of El Paso said it’s important to remind your kids how this vaccine can keep them and others healthy.

“Make it seem normal,” Martin. “It's just any other vaccine, kids are used to getting shots every single year.”

She added that most kids are afraid of the needle instead of the vaccine itself.

She recommends going to your child’s pediatrician, someone they recognize and are comfortable with too to help.

Dr. Rana Kronfol, a local pediatrician, said her practice has several different techniques to help distract kids while getting a vaccine.

“Sometimes we use a vibration device that helps distract the nerve endings and it allows them to have less pain,” she said.

“Most of the time, it's more emotional. So just taking deep breaths, and remaining calm is very helpful.”

Kronfol said to let kids know well beforehand that they’re getting a shot.

There are several vaccine clinic happening across El Paso, including several school districts. To learn more click here.