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Preparing Your Child to Get the COVID Vaccine

Pediatricians and other experts answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Pediatrician Ilan Shapiro, MD on how to talk with your child about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

The key here is to have honesty, to share the expectations. There’s ways to make sure that your kid actually has a better experience on the entire process. One of them is telling them the truth that, you know, this is the way that it works. It will hurt a little bit, but me as a parent, I will be there with you when that happens.

And you can bring your cell phone with the favorite videos. You can sing, you can have the book, and I promise you, and we have done this a lot in the clinic, when you distract our kids and you make them participate with the entire process, it’s a better experience for the parents and also for the kids, because some of the times the kids are the ones that are, do way better than us as parents.

This information is shared for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at time of filming. Always consult a health care provider for any personal health decisions. Click here for vaccine FAQs from the CDC.

Stay up to date with your COVID vaccine, including boosters!

COVID vaccines are safe and effective for everyone ages 6 months and older.

Immunity wanes over time. Keep up your protection against COVID by getting boosted when eligible.

Updated boosters are available for adults and children 6 months and older. 

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