Half Term COVID-19 ‘Relax and Vax’ Sessions for Nervous Teenagers
With half-term approaching (week commencing 14 February), COVID vaccination centres across Hertfordshire are running ‘Relax and Vax’ sessions to help young people who are nervous about having the vaccine to get protected from the virus.
Specially trained vaccinators will be on hand to help young people overcome worries like a fear of needles or other concerns. Friendly vaccinators will be available for a chat about the vaccine, using simple and clinically effective relaxation techniques to help reduce tension and support them through the process.
Relax and Vax sessions are aimed at 12 to 18-year-olds for the half-term break but are open to anyone who needs extra support to get their vaccination. Children aged 12-15 need to be accompanied by a consenting parent or carer. On arrival people just need to mention they’re nervous and the staff will make adjustments to ensure they’re given plenty of time and support.
Relax and Vax sessions will be available at the large vaccine centres during half-term week. View the timetable here.
The Hive at the Jim McDonald Centre, Hatfield will also be running a Relax and Vax session between 10am-1pm on Saturday 12 February, where anyone aged 12 and above can drop in for a chat about the vaccine over a cup of tea or a soft drink. If they feel reassured and comfortable to get the vaccine, they can have it while they are there.
Vaccination centres across Hertfordshire have received countless positive reports from people who were worried about having the vaccine at first but with extra support felt comfortable and reassured to have their jabs.
Joe, 19, from Welwyn Garden City said: ‘I’ve always had a fear of needles so I was nervous about getting my vaccine. When I mentioned it to the nurses, they gave me plenty of time, made sure I was comfortable and took care so I didn’t see any needles. They gave me some water and kept a close eye on me afterwards. They made it a really calm, positive and easy experience.’
Parent Ali, whose child was vaccinated in Stevenage said: ‘Thank you to all your staff at Robertson House vaccination centre today…child vaccinated with humour, kindness and compassion.’
Sam, mum of two boys from Welwyn Garden City, was reassured by the compassion shown by staff. Her son Oliver, age 12, felt very well looked after when he went for his vaccine. ‘They kept checking we were all OK and I even got some biscuits.’
Ella, age 22 from Walkern said: ‘I was very nervous about getting the vaccine because I don’t like needles, but the nurses really helped me. I was taken to the side where I could lay down to have the vaccination and they were really reassuring. If I can do it, anyone can!’
Cath Slater, Deputy Director of Nursing and Quality from Hertfordshire Community Trust (pictured), who has supported a number of very anxious people through vaccinations explained: ‘We understand why some young people have a fear of getting vaccinated. Our immunisation teams based at our vaccination centres have the skills to help anyone overcome these concerns. Many young people say after having received their vaccination that the experience was far more positive than they imagined – many didn’t even notice they had received the jab in their arm! We urge anyone with these fears to come forward so we can offer them their jabs which will provide them and their families with the best possible protection against COVID.’
COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities. Many teenagers and parents of 12-15 year olds have taken up the offer to get their children vaccinated by either booking an online appointment on the NHS National Booking Service, ringing 119, having their jab at school or coming to one of many walk-in sessions offered across the area, which can be viewed at: covid.healthierfuture.org.uk/walk-ins.
People aged 18 and under must wait 12 weeks after a positive COVID-19 test before having the vaccine. Anyone 18+ needs to wait 28 days.
Hear about why some 12-15 year olds and their parents decided to get their COVID jabs by clicking here.