Kids with sensory issues will be able to receive their COVID-19 vaccine in a supported environment at the Vincentia Medical Centre on Monday, January 17.
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The practice is running a quiet clinic for children aged five to 11 who may be sensitive to touch, sight, smell and sounds and may find the overall experience of being immunised overwhelming.
Early childhood nurse at Vincentia Medical Centre and parent of children with sensory issues, Kylie Smith, said the needs of each child will be assessed before their COVID-19 vaccine to create a calm, supported space.
"The clinic can include children with autism spectrum disorder or sensory processing disorder," said Kylie.
"It can also include children with hearing and vision impairments, anxiety, or Tourette Syndrome.
"Some of these children don't like band aids or the feel of cotton wool or have difficulty when strangers touch them.
"We're trying to help make immunisation less traumatic and a more positive experience for both the child and the family."
It doesn't matter that your child is not the same as someone else's child, we're looking at their individualities to meet each kids needs.
- Kylie Smith, early childhood nurse
Kylie said the idea for the clinic came about from her own personal experience getting her children immunised.
"I know from personal experience how challenging it can be," she said. "And quite often, kids with these issues are the ones that we want to protect."
"I had a couple of families who are immunised and sensed their concerns about their children with sensory issues, so we felt there was a definite need for a quiet clinic."
Appointments must be booked for the quiet clinic and if there is demand, more will run in the future.
It will run on Monday, January 17 from 1.30pm to 3pm.
Book apppointments via hotdoc.com.au or call Vincentia Medical Centre on (02) 4443 2443.
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