[UPDATED] Dr Othello: Minors, convince parents to have you vaccinated

Director of Mental Health Dr Hazel Othello told minors interested in being vaccinated to talk to their parents about their interest in the covid19 vaccine and their fears about contracting the virus.

Othello was speaking at the Ministry of Health’s virtual press conference on Wednesday.

Othello said, in the event that a minor wants to be vaccinated and is being prevented by a parent or guardian who is hesitant or sceptical about the vaccine, the minor should have a conversation with their parents to convince them why they should be vaccinated.

“It would be disturbing if a parent is not in agreement with getting vaccinated,” said Othello. “Have a conversation with (parents). Don’t be disrespectful, just explain why you think you need to be vaccinated.

“Explain that the risk of being harmed by the vaccine is significantly less than the real risk of being harmed by the disease. Most parents, hearing that from the child, will listen.”

She said some parents may think they are acting in the best interest of the child, but if the information is coming from the child, they may be convinced to let the child be vaccinated.

Othello also encouraged parents to do their own research, from reliable sources, so that they can accurately answer any questions their child may have before taking them to be vaccinated.

“Encourage them to ask their questions. Have honest, age-appropriate conversations about the vaccine. Ask about what they are seeing on social media. Don’t shy away from the conversation.”

She said children and adolescents should be vaccinated without feeling traumatised.

“We are aware that, for some, the mere act of getting vaccinated or being stuck with a needle can be anxiety-provoking, especially among adolescents.”

She said sometimes there can even be a physical reaction to the fear of taking a shot. She said the medical staff is trained to recognise these symptoms, as well as identifying side effects.

She said the term for this condition is called Immunisation Stress Related Response (ISRR) and was coined before covid19.

She said the causes of ISRR include biological, psychological and social factors.

Biological factors include age, genetics, low body mass and patients tend to be younger. She said females are also more at risk than males.

The psychological factors include previous negative experiences with medical procedures, and anxiety about vaccinations.

The social factors include negative information received from family, friends, and social media, or if a child has witnessed negative reactions from others, as well as cultural beliefs.

“We don’t want to just treat these reactions, we want to prevent them. Prepare adolescents for vaccination before they get it so they know what to expect. If your child is predisposed to anxiety, or has had a negative experience, reassure the child.”

She said on the day of the vaccine, parents should also be honest with medical staff about challenges, concerns, and allergies to prevent or prepare for any reactions.

“Be supportive. Don’t force a worried child to take the vaccine while they are frightened. Take the time to address their fears and when they are in a calm state of mind, then proceed.

She also advised parents not to scold children or embarrass teenagers for being anxious about taking the vaccine.

“Proactive, honest communication is important. Management of social media is also important in preventing ISRR and belong adolescents through the vaccination process.”

This story was originally published with the title "Mental health director: Minors, convince parents to have you vaccinated" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Director of Mental Health Dr Hazel Othello has told minors interested in being vaccinated to talk to their parents about their interest in the covid19 vaccine and their fears about contracting the virus.

She was speaking at the Ministry of Health’s virtual press conference on Wednesday.

Othello said in the event that a minor wants to be vaccinated and is being prevented by a parent or guardian who is hesitant or sceptical about the vaccine, the minor should have a conversation with their parents to persuade them as to why they should be vaccinated.

“It would be disturbing if a parent is not in agreement with getting vaccinated,” said Othello. “Have a conversation with them. Don’t be disrespectful, just explain why you think you need to be vaccinated.

“Explain that the risk of being harmed by the vaccine is significantly less than the real risk of being harmed by the disease. Most parents, hearing that from the child, will listen.”

She said some parents may think they are acting in the best interest of the child, but if the information is coming from the child, they may be convinced to let the child be vaccinated.

Othello also encouraged parents to do their own research, from reliable sources, so that they can accurately answer any questions their child may have before taking them to be vaccinated.

“Encourage them to ask their questions. Have honest, age-appropriate conversations about the vaccine. Ask about what they are seeing on social media. Don’t shy away from the conversation.”