On Monday 13 September, children aged 12 to 15 became eligible to book in for a Covid-19 Pfizer vaccine. Since then, many kids within the Pakenham area have received their first dose. The Gazette wanted to hear the unfiltered voices of our youth on their decision to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
Sarah 15
Why did you want to get the vaccine?
It will protect my friends, family and community. My family loves to go travelling and going to the football so I wanted to get it so we could get back to normal. I’m a performer and if there’s talk of a lockdown for non-vaccinated people it would be really hard for me not to be able to do what I love. This was my choice. I don’t want people to think I was forced to.
Were you nervous?
I have a massive phobia of needles but the team at Sonic Health were lovely. It was easy and I didn’t feel anything.
Do most of your friends also want to get the vaccine?
Most of my friends are booked in.
Do you wish you could have gotten it sooner?
It is something I did wish the TGA approved earlier for 12 to 15 year olds so that my friends were all eligible sooner so when restrictions ease on fully vaccinated people, it could happen for us too and we didn’t have to wait as long to be fully vaccinated.
What would you say to other kids about why they should get the vaccine?
Don’t be nervous, it doesn’t hurt, don’t think about it too much maybe have parent there to talk to you.
Peeraphan 12
Why did you want to get the vaccine?
I wanted to protect my family and friends
Were you nervous?
I was but there were professional people there that were kind and helpful.
How do you feel to be one of the first in your age group to get the vaccine?
Great- I can be a role model! (laughs)
Do most of your friends also want to get the vaccine?
Yes a lot are getting it this week
Do you wish you could have gotten it sooner?
Yes, to get it over and done with.
What would you say to other kids about why they should get the vaccine?
Everyone should just go and get it. Then they can protect their family and family.
A message to healthcare workers…
Thanks for everything. You are awesome and have been working so hard for us for such a long time.
Augustus 13
Why did you want to get the vaccine?
Protect all our people and get back to school and basketball.
Were you nervous?
We had a tetanus vaccination recently so not really. It didn’t hurt and was really quick, the nurse was caring and really good.
How do you feel to be one of the first in your age group to get the vaccine?
It feels like we have been waiting ages. It’s what we have to do.
Do most of your friends also want to get the vaccine?
Yes, and my brother is 11 and keeps asking too.
Do you wish you could have gotten it sooner?
Yes, in our village in Italy the 12 -15 year olds had it ages ago.
A message to healthcare workers…
Thank you! They need a proper break and time with their family and friends. Get vaccinated for them!
Charlee 14
Why did you want to get the vaccine?
I wanted to get the vaccine since I would like to go back to school and see my friends. I would also like to go away for the holidays.
Were you nervous?
I wasn’t nervous, I was super excited to finally be able to get vaccinated.
How do you feel to be one of the first ones in your age group to get the vaccine?
I feel proud of myself for going and getting the vaccine the day it was available to my age group.
Do most of your friends also want to get the vaccine?
I am pretty sure my friends also want to get the vaccine as I saw some of them there on Monday.
Do you wish you could have gotten it sooner?
I wish I could have gotten the vaccine sooner but I am glad I have it now.
What would you say to other kids about the vaccine?
I would say to other kids that the vaccine isn’t that bad and that it is the only thing that will get us out of lockdown and back on track.
Braydon 13
Why did you want to get the vaccine?
So I don’t get Covid and so I can go to Queensland.
Were you nervous?
Yes, only a little.
How do you feel to be one of the first ones in your age group to get the vaccine?
Pretty cool.
Do most of your friends also want to get vaccinated?
No.
Do you wish you could have gotten it sooner?
Not really, I think I got it at a perfect time.
What would you say to other kids about the vaccine?
I would say you should get it for your health and safety.
Stefanie 15
Why did you want to get the vaccine?
To help everyone get back to normal and because I have a job.
Were you nervous?
Not really because it’s pretty much like getting the flu shot.
How do you feel to be the first one of your age group to get the vaccine?
I felt pretty happy and lucky.
Do most of your friends also want to get the vaccine?
I think it’s pretty mixed.
Do you wish you could have gotten it sooner?
No I’m pretty happy with the timing.
What would you say to other kids about why they should get the vaccine?
Don’t worry about it too much it didn’t hurt that much and it’s for a good cause.
Tom 12
Why did you want to get the vaccine?
I wanted to get the vaccine so we can go to our holiday house again and get back to our weekend family getaways and so we can all get back to school.
Were you nervous?
I wasn’t nervous to get the vaccine at all, I’m in year 7, so it’s not my first vaccine this year and it’s not my last.
How do you feel to be one of the first ones in your age group to get the vaccine?
I feel pretty good about being one of the first ones in my age group to get the vaccine, my little sister Gracie also got the vaccine, and I know we are both proud to be doing our little bit for Australia.
Do most of your friends also want to get the vaccine?
I dunno if my friends want to get the vaccine, I don’t see why they wouldn’t want too, it’s a no brainer if they want to get back to reality!
Do you wish you could have gotten it sooner?
I do wish I could have gotten it sooner because we would be closer to getting back to school and seeing my mates, my sisters are great and all but I miss me mates!!
What would you say to other kids about the vaccine?
I would say I think every kid should get the vaccine so we can finally start counting down the last days of lock down.
Gracie 12
Why did you want to get the vaccine?
I wanted to get the vaccine so I don’t really really sick if I ever do get Covid and because I want to help stop the spread of Covid.
Were you nervous?
I wasn’t nervous to get the vaccine if anything I was excited.
How do you feel to be one of the first ones in your age group to get the vaccine?
I feel really happy and grateful that I was able to get the vaccine so early.
Do most of your friends also want to get the vaccine?
I don’t know if my friends also want to get the vaccine however some of my friends were there too, it was really good to see them getting the vaccine done too!
Do you wish you could have gotten it sooner?
Honestly getting it when I did was fine with me although getting it sooner would’ve been nicer for everyone.
What would you say to other kids about the vaccine?
I would say that it’s not so scary if you don’t think about it and on the plus side you get a lollipop afterwards.
