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30th of August, 2021

With the onset of the new Delta COVID-19 variant, more children throughout Australia are becoming ill with the coronavirus.  Not surprisingly, many parents are wondering about how to protect their children.  While there is currently no cure for COVID-19, we do know that prevention strategies work. Getting yourself vaccinated and helping children to take the following steps will help to protect them:

  • Wear a mask
  • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces
  • Get vaccinated
  • Get tested

Masks

Different Australian states have different regulations for mask-wearing. In Victoria, it is recommended that children over five wear a mask when out of the family home. While wearing masks can take a bit of getting used to, especially for young children, it is perfectly safe. Mask wearing does not affect a child’s ability to breathe.

When helping a child wear a mask, it is important to remember that it needs to fit snugly. Masks with large gaps on the sides or a mask that constantly slips down the child’s face are ineffective. Also, remember:

  • Fabric masks need regular washing –like underwear!
  • Disposable masks are only suitable for a single-use – like a tissue!
  • The mask will work better with fewer gaps around the face!

Some children with sensory issues or disabilities may struggle to wear masks; however, most children will quickly adapt, especially if their parents set a good example. One great way to encourage children to wear a mask is the help them make their own. There are many great templates available for kids’ masks, and many of them don’t require any sewing.

Tips for helping your children to wear a face mask:

Make it fun and personal. As face masks have become more common you can find fun, colourful masks in many stores. Look for ones that feature your child’s favourite superhero characters, faces, or animal prints. Kids might opt for a plain mask that they can decorate with markers, stickers, beads, or sequins. You can even have your child help choose a design, so they feel a part of the process.

Children learn through play.  and this can also help them process their feelings. Give your child a mask for their favourite stuffed animal, sew a matching mask for a doll or draw masks on characters in colouring books.

Lastly, one of the best ways to encourage your child to wear a face mask is to wear one yourself.

Now let’s make some masks! Let’s make some face masks!  CLICK HERE or watch the video by Kidspot:

 

Ventilation

The COVID-19 is airborne, which means that it can float in the air. For this reason, it is important to keep children away from poorly ventilated spaces. Good ventilation is a problem for many schools, clubs, cafes and shops. Wherever possible, activities need to be held outside, and doors and windows should be open.

Victoria’s pandemic lockdown regulations mean that many schools will continue to offer online-learning-only options into the foreseeable future. These restrictions are put in place to keep our children and communities safe. Talking positively to your children about why they can’t go to school is a great way to help them cope with being at home.

Vaccination

Australia’s vaccine roll-out is now in full swing, and depending on your child’s age, they may now be eligible to be vaccinated. Currently, children aged 16 years or over can be booked in for a Pfizer vaccination. Australia’s Health Minister Greg Hunt announced that Pfizer jabs would be made available to all children in the 12-15 year-old age group from 13 September.

Vaccinations for children under 12 have not yet been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and are currently unavailable. In the meantime, the best way to protect younger children is by ensuring that everyone who can be vaccinated is vaccinated. Make sure that everyone in your home who is eligible gets their vaccine as soon as possible.

COVID-19 Vaccination is available at DPV Health’s Vaccination hub located at Town Hall Broadmeadows, 10 Dimboola Road, Broadmeadows, 7 days a week: 9:30am – 5:30pm . Click here for more information or call Call 1300 DPV VAX or dial 1300 378 829 .

For vaccination information for children and teenagers and resources click here.

Get tested

If you or your child have any of the following symptoms, it is essential to get tested right away:

  • fever
  • chills or sweats
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • shortness of breath
  • runny nose
  • loss or change in the sense of smell or taste.

Getting tested involves having a quick nasal swab. While it can be a little uncomfortable, it is not painful. Getting tested helps to stop the spread of the virus and allows medical professionals to offer you the best help possible.

DPV Health’s COVID-19 Testing Centre is located at Schotters Road, Mernda. For more information click here.

Mental Health

It’s very normal for children and young people to experience a range of emotions about the COVID-19. If you need tips and advice to help support your children’s mental well-being click here

Alternatively, you can call HeadtoHelp on 1800 595 212 .

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