Successful Tong De Association Children’s Vaccination Seminar Supported by the South Australian Health Department

The Tong De Association, supported by the South Australian Health Department, successfully held a children’s vaccination seminar on the long weekend of March 14th at Pro Health Midwest Medical Clinic. 

The seminar was sponsored by the Wellbeing SA COVID-19 vaccine support community.

Dr. Cleo provided parents with comprehensive explanations of children’s vaccination-related knowledge in an easy-to-understand manner. Parents benefited greatly from the seminar, with many eagerly exclaiming, “This informative seminar is incredibly useful! When can we have another one? Let’s invite our friends to join too!”

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Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Tong De Association’s committee and members, not only have new immigrants and international students been able to integrate into Australian society at an early stage, but Australian society has also come to understand and appreciate the efforts, perseverance, and contributions of the Chinese community. This has further prompted the government to pay more attention to the needs of the Chinese community in areas such as cultural education, healthcare, and economic development. The Tong De Association continues to move forward, actively participating in multicultural and public welfare activities.

We welcome everyone to follow the Tong De Association’s public account and become a member of the association. In addition to work and study, join us in engaging in the diverse activities offered by the Tong De Association and contribute to the South Australian community together.

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Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of your child experiencing severe illness from COVID-19.

To help explain COVID-19 vaccination to your child or to allow your child to learn more on their own, please refer to:

• Information Sheet for Children Aged 5 to 11 (PDF 63KB):  https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/resources/fact+sheet+for+children+aged+5+to+11
• COVID-19 Vaccine Children’s Book (PDF 2.6MB):  https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/resources/how+to+protect+yourself+from+covid-19+-+childrens+book

COVID-19 Risks for Children

COVID-19 in young children is usually mild, but if your child contracts COVID-19, they may experience severe illness with long-term effects.

Children with underlying health conditions are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including congenital heart disease, chronic lung issues, being overweight, and neurological (brain, nerve, and muscle) conditions such as epilepsy.

Although COVID-19 may be mild in children, it contributes to the spread of the virus within the community. Overseas, the transmission of the COVID-19 virus has increased in schools, particularly among younger children.

Like many other countries around the world, Australia has seen an increasing number of teenagers and children becoming infected. The infection rates among teenagers and adults are now similar.

Vaccination will help protect your children, your family, and your community, and contribute to reducing the spread of COVID-19. It also reduces the risk of your child experiencing severe illness.

The vaccine works by teaching your child’s body to fight the disease, so they either don’t get sick or, if they do, their symptoms are less severe. This also means they are less likely to pass COVID-19 on to others.

Vaccination

Children aged 5 to 11 can receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at most SA Health vaccination clinics (including some mobile clinics), as well as selected general practitioners, respiratory clinics, and pharmacies.

The Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine dose is one-third of the dose given to those aged 12 and over.

Children aged 6 to 11 can receive the half-dose Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at selected general practitioners and pharmacies. Please consult your general practitioner or pharmacy to see if they offer the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 to 11.

Both the Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 half-dose vaccine are administered in two doses, spaced 8 weeks apart.

Side Effects

Your child may experience some side effects after receiving the vaccine, but these are usually mild and only last for a few days. Side effects may include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, headache, body aches, or fever. These are common and expected reactions.

Before your child receives the vaccine, you can discuss any concerns or questions you have about COVID-19 vaccination with your immunizer and/or your general practitioner.

COVID-19 Vaccination After Infection

Children who have had COVID-19 can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. You should consider delaying your child’s vaccination for up to four months after contracting COVID-19.

Delaying the COVID-19 vaccination may enhance your child’s immune response post-vaccination and strengthen their protection against future COVID-19 infections.

Underlying Medical Conditions

If your child’s condition is stable, they can receive the vaccine at SA Health vaccination clinics, or through their GP, respiratory clinic, or pharmacy.

If your child has underlying medical conditions and is medically unstable, you can discuss vaccination with their primary care physician or specialist.

Your doctor or specialist may refer your child to specialist immunization services as needed or to a women’s and children’s hospital.

Immune Compromised

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends that severely immune-compromised children aged 5 to 11 receive a third dose of vaccination 2 months after their second dose to boost their immunity.

For more information, please visit our page on Potential Medical and Immunocompromised Conditions.

To book appointments for your child’s first and second doses, please visit our booking page.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the Australian Government Department of Health website at www.health.gov.au. They offer a range of information, including resources in languages other than English.

For information about COVID-19 vaccination in South Australia, visit covidvaccine.sa.gov.au or call the SA COVID-19 Information Line at 1800 253 787.