Clown doctors at Claremont COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

The Humour Foundation (external link) is sending in the clown doctors to the Claremont COVID-19 vaccination clinic during April.

Clown doctors are medical clowns who are highly trained, professional performers who help to share laughter for kids throughout hospitals, clinics, and the community.

If you are feeling anxious about receiving a vaccination, or would just like to have a laugh with the friendly clown doctors while you wait, come along and visit.

The clown doctors will be at the clinic each Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 am and 12-2 pm throughout April. (Please note, clown doctors will not attend on Easter Friday, 15 April)

Evidence shows vaccination offers excellent protection against COVID-19 in children. Even though COVID-19 in children is often milder than in adults, there’s strong evidence to support vaccinating children.

Vaccines give the immune system a helping hand to protect against serious illness and possible long-term effects from COVID-19. Vaccination also helps to protect friends, family and the community by reducing spread of the virus.

Want to cut through the misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines? Our experts answers some of the most common questions with good old-fashioned facts.

Preparing for a child’s vaccination

As a parent or guardian, there are a number of things you can consider before you take your child for their COVID-19 vaccine, to help make it a positive experience for them.

Remember, your child will need a second dose and they will receive other vaccines in the future.

If your child is anxious about receiving the vaccine or has additional needs, planning ahead and talking to them and your GP can help.

Children can receive additional support through vaccination centres if they are scared of needles, have a disability, behavioural difficulties or other needs.

What you need to bring

To make your child’s vaccination as smooth as possible, you will need to bring:

• proof of your child’s age (e.g., their birth certificate, passport or school card)
• your Medicare card, if you have one

Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will provide consent for vaccination. You can also provide your child with a signed consent form (external link) to take to their appointment if you cannot attend.

What you can expect on the day

Some children might be anxious about getting their COVID-19 vaccine or being in a new environment - this is normal.

An experienced immuniser trained to work with children of all ages, abilities and backgrounds will be on hand to give your child their vaccine.

If your child is overly nervous, immunisers might use visual distractions or vaccination aids to help calm your child.

Having conversations with your child or dependant about vaccination

It’s natural for children to be curious and have lots of questions about COVID-19 and vaccinations. Here’s some tips for having conversations with your child or dependant:

• Stay up to date with the latest information and advice through trusted health resources and websites
• Start a conversation and listen to your children’s response. Invite them to share what they have heard and acknowledge any fears they have about being vaccinated
• Be open about the vaccine and the vaccination process. Acknowledge the pain but put it into context. Depending on their age, you could liken getting a vaccine to having a superhero shield against disease.

More information is available from the Australian Government (external link).

More information

COVID-19 vaccine online booking (VaccinateWA) FAQs (external link)

You've got questions - Information for parents of children 5-11

COVID-19 vaccine FAQs (external link)

How to speak to kids about COVID-19 vaccines (external link) – Australian Government resource

How to talk to your children about vaccines (external link) – UNICEF resource