Vaccinating my kids for COVID-19 with a little black Magic
By David Freeman, Communications Consultant, Saskatchewan Health Authority
Vaccinations are not new to our family. Our twins have undergone a number of childhood and flu vaccinations – with more to come.
But we’ve never looked forward to them, either. As babies, they cried and squirmed as expected. Once a public health nurse received a death stare from one twin after she saw her brother get jabbed and it made him cry. As the twins aged, they began reacting differently, not to the vaccine itself, but to the thought of the vaccine and specifically, the needle.
This is not uncommon, no matter how old you are, but most kids (and adults) find a way to grit their teeth and bear it. Sometimes a tear, or 10, are shed. But not for my little girl, who began responding to the thought of a needle as if she were a wild child raised by wolves. We’ve been asked to leave a vaccination appointment more than once due to her frightfully fierce flailing at the mere thought and sight of a needle.
But in our house, not getting vaccinated is not an option. Vaccinations are super important. Both my wife and I had to suffer through chicken pox as children. Our kids will not. That is the power of vaccines.
Early in the pandemic, when vaccines for COVID-19 were still being developed, we talked to our twins about the importance of getting vaccinated. We told them how vaccines would help keep them from getting really sick and how they make more social interactions – like play dates, family visits and sports – safe. It often made them a little fearful and anxious, particularly my daughter, but it also laid the groundwork for when it was their turn.
This week, it was their turn. And the reaction was surprising. A fist pump and jumping around from one twin; a fearful gasp, deep breath and an “I can do this” from the other.
Arriving at the clinic, there were smiles at first, but fear quickly closed in on us as we got closer to where the needles were – it was like Death Eaters coming for Sirius Black in the Harry Potter books. Like the popular wizard, we’d need strong magic and nearly-unwavering bravery to get to the other side. I was convinced this wouldn’t be a good day, but boy, I was wrong.
Our nurse, Shelley, was amazing. She saw the fear in their eyes and addressed it head-on. Making eye contact. Addressing them calmly, sweetly and caringly. Taking both of their hands in hers, she immediately tried to distract them and draw their own bravery from within.
Next, we needed a little black magic. On this day, it came in the form of a black lab therapy dog named Magic who helped save the day.
Fear melted away to smiles. They loved her and she loved them back. From there, love, happiness and tail wags helped them to find their bravery. And, before my daughter could answer that pink is her favourite colour, it was done.
My little girl was right, she could do this. It was a magical day for this proud dad. Thank you Magic.
One shot down, one to go.
