By Cecilia Nasmith

When COVID-19 vaccination clinic organizers planned for special ways to make these clinics child-friendly for the five-to-11-year-olds – once the province approved that age group for vaccines in December - the help of the Early Years community made a big difference.

The work they did was presented to Northumberland County council's Social Services Standing Committee at its February meeting by Early Years Manager Lesley Patterson.

“We put together Early On pencil cases with activities inside and information for parents on where to get support,” Patterson said.

Organizers anticipated that a COVID shot is more stressful for a child than for an adult, Patterson stated, and a number of their early educators showed up to help make things go more easily – for both parent and child.

“It was a wonderful exposure and very helpful, and we were happy to do it,” she said.

The Omicron wave ended these personal visits, Patterson continued, but they kept putting together pencil cases to give out to the young people getting their shots.

“We just sent out a new shipment yesterday,” she noted.

The agenda for the Social Services meeting included a letter of thanks for this support from the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit.

“Evidence demonstrates that a family-friendly positive vaccination experience leads to reduced pain and anxiety, and fosters vaccine confidence among children and parents,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking wrote.

“Throughout the month of December, early educators volunteered at Mass Immunization Clinics across Northumberland, lending their expertise to engage children and families in conversation, use distraction techniques and provide give-aways.

“Together, in partnership, we were able to build confidence among families and successfully vaccinated 44% of children with one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.”