Stickers make kids feel like superheroes
Dr. Satchan Takaya, a Saskatoon Infectious Disease Specialist, co-physician lead for Saskatoon vaccinations and a mom, knew that when the kids aged 5-11 came in to get their COVID-19 vaccinations, they needed to feel special for doing their part. So, she rallied the Saskatoon physician community, some family members and a few crafty kids and made it happen.
“My sister, Alissa Staples, is a professional illustrator, so I asked her about the idea of a special vaccine sticker for kids,” said Dr. Takaya. “The design itself was a group effort. I wanted a cute animal with a Band-Aid. I asked my 10-year-old niece, Abby, what animal we should use, and she said a bunny would be best. Then Dr. Kurji’s 11-year-old daughter, Raya, said that the bunny should be a super bunny. And so, it came to be!”
The funding for this project came from the Saskatoon physician community, and their community partner Mister Print executed it around in a matter of days. By the time the first vaccination for children aged 5-11 occurred Wednesday, November 24, the mass clinic at Prairieland Place was turned into a welcoming space for all children.
Each child vaccinated at that clinic gets to feel like a superhero when they are done by receiving a cool sticker, colouring page and by getting to sign the Wall of Fame.
“I’m not sure I expected the kids to be so thrilled about getting a vaccine, yet they were as excited as their parents,” said Dr. Takaya. “Kids are smart. They know how important getting vaccinated is to end this pandemic, and to getting back to doing all the usual kids stuff.”
