First low-sensory, low-stimulus vaccination clinic in Regina
Regina has started offering low-sensory, low-stimulus vaccination clinics in partnership with the Autism Centre in Regina, which is comprised of a team from Child and Youth Services with Mental Health and Addictions Services. The first private clinics were held at the Al Ritchie Heritage Community Health Centre (ARHCHC) on December 4 and 8, with more to come.
“Through years of experience from our public health teams, the vaccine team and others, we recognized that the mass clinic and mall settings will not be ideal for a number of children and that a quieter, more private setting would be better,” said Tracy Sanden, liaison officer. “We have an amazing space at ARHCHC that is available for us to use for these clinics.”
These low-sensory, low-stimulus clinics incorporate longer appointment times, private settings, less noise and other stimulation children may need to ensure they have a positive experience. This past weekend, two nurses were assigned to two clinic rooms and administered the vaccine to individual families out of those rooms, providing privacy and quiet. Staff were present and helped to settle and distract the kids.
“The vaccination rooms we spaced apart so noise from each room was minimal,” said Allison Ekdahl-Johnston, Autism Spectrum Disorder Consultant with the Autism Program. “We had some new and novel toys to present to clients to distract, keep them in the rooms and keep them busy. There was ample quiet space to move for waiting after the vaccine. When the client came in with their parents and was needing to wait or was apprehensive with coming in, we were able to bring them to the toy bucket to pick something to play with.”
Sanden also noted that the staff knew the children and were the experts in helping to calm them when needed. Feedback from families was that they were very happy with the flow and set-up of the clinic.
“Providing these types of clinics improves access for people who may not get the vaccine in other locations because they create a stressful situation that could shape future health-care experiences,” said Sanden. “We’re hoping to take what we learn from these clinics and see how we can extend to other families who may want this type of service.”
Here’s just some of the feedback from parents:
"The kids just had their shots. It was the best experience they have ever had. My kids had never been this calm for an injection. We love the set-up, the atmosphere, the personnel- they were so nice and patient with the kids, explaining every step of the way. This is also the best experience we have had ourselves too. Looking forward to this same setting arrangement for their second shot.” Bibi
“We just wanted to reach out to say how grateful we were to have a special clinic running COVID shots for our son with autism. We heard about the clinics running at the Costco and knew that would be a terribly stressful environment for our family so having this was extremely helpful. We are crossing our fingers that there will be one in the future for the second shot. In the past, it has been a deterrent getting our son the flu shot. Everyone was just so very good with our son and it was a very easy process for us. Thank you so very much for doing these programs for families, we are very grateful.” Jeff and Tracey
“I just had to post about the amazing experience we had yesterday getting vaccines for both my littles. They had wonderful nurses there (one who pretended to be named “Ollie” because my daughter was convinced there was going to be a nurse there with that name). We were in and out in 20 minutes. There were no extra people, no waiting in line, they had a great set-up.” Jacquelyn
Specialized clinics like this one are also offered in other areas of the province. Talk to your health care provider about what options are best for your child.
