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COVID-19 Vaccination (5-17yrs)

COVID-19 Vaccination (5-17yrs)

COVID-19 Vaccinations (5-17yrs)

The Australian Government and Life Without Barriers (LWB) supports COVID-19 vaccination as an important way to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our community, including children and young people. The decision-making process for a child or young person in care (including foster and kinship care) to receive a COVID-19 vaccination can involve many key people, including the young person.

When a child or young person in your care has received any COVID-19 vaccination, it’s important you report it to your LWB Key worker so we can keep a record of this vaccination (this could be your Case Manager or Child and Family Practitioner).

State by State Regulations

State Regulation
VIC Young people aged 12-17 years can provide their own consent if deemed to be a mature minor by a senior and experienced immuniser. If not, a parent or guardian can provide consent. For those aged 5-11 years, a parent or guardian can consent. Details here.
NSW Young people aged 14-17 years can provide consent if they have capacity to make an informed decision. If not, it is the Parent/Authorised Carer/Guardian. For those under 14 years, the Parent/Authorised Carer/Guardian can provide consent. Details here.
WA The Department is responsible for all decisions regarding immunisation.
QLD Young people aged 16 years and over can provide their own consent if they have capacity to make an informed decision (LWB must inform the Department) If not, the Guardian can provide consent (depending on court order). For those under 16 years, the Authorised Carer can provide consent for young person where the Department holds guardianship. Contact your LWB Key Worker.
SA Young people aged 16 years and over can provide their own consent. For those under 16 years, the Authorised Carer can provide consent.
TAS The Secretary of the Department of Communities Tasmania has provided generic consent for all children aged 5-17 years under his care to be vaccinated. Carers should support children and young people to receive their vaccination.

To make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for a child or young person, go to the Australian Government's Vaccination Clinic Finder.

Supporting young people to consider vaccination

There are a diverse range of views about COVID-19 vaccinations across our community, often informed by religious and cultural beliefs, political views, fear, and personal experiences. If a child or young person is unsure about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, here are tips that may be helpful in having these conversations:

  • First and foremost, remain neutral and acknowledge and respect a child’s viewpoint. It’s great they have a view, and they are sharing it with you!
  • Ask them what they know about vaccinations and what influenced their point of view. Remember, children are often influenced by peers and social media. It is important to acknowledge that the points of view of peers, family and social media are important to them, while also providing alternative accurate health information.
  • Provide reliable health information regarding vaccination, such as the resources in this guide. Read through this information with the child and assist to research any tricky questions they may ask.
  • Provide reassurance, offer help and consider what practical assistance they may need. For example, do they have a trusted relationship with a health practitioner or are they fearful of needles? What can you do to be a source of strength for the child or young person?

Conversation starters for talking about vaccinations

Consider the following conversation starters to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine with children and young people:

“What have you heard about the COVID-19 vaccine?”

“Do you know people who have had the COVID-19 vaccination – what have they said about it?”

“What do the people you care about believe about COVID-19 vaccination?”

“Do you or people you know have worries about you having a COVID-19 vaccination?”

“Do you know what the risk factors are for serious COVID-19? Who would you like to protect from COVID-19?”

“What are the steps to getting a vaccination? How can I help you? Who would you like with you when you get vaccinated?”

“What is the worst thing that could happen if you got vaccinated? And what might be the worst thing that could happen if you didn’t?” (This helps children to think about the health consequences of not getting a vaccination.)

“If the vaccination was a tablet, not a needle, would this change your point of view?” (This question helps to start a conversation about fears of needles.)

Tips for talking with children and young people about COVID-19 Vaccinations

If a child or young person is unsure about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, here are tips that may be helpful in having these conversations:

  • First and foremost, remain neutral and acknowledge and respect a child’s viewpoint.
  • It’s great they have a view, and they are sharing it with you!
  • Ask them what they know about vaccinations and what influenced their point of view.
  • Remember, children are often influenced by peers and social media. It is important to acknowledge that the points of view of peers, family and social media are important to them, while also providing alternative accurate health information.
  • Provide reliable health information regarding vaccination, such as the resources in this guide. Read through this information with the child and assist to research any tricky questions they may ask.
  • Provide reassurance, offer help and consider what practical assistance they may need.
  • For example, do they have a trusted relationship with a health practitioner or are they fearful of needles? What can you do to be a source of strength for the child or young person?

Tips for talking with children's families

In some situations, Carers may be discussing vaccinations with a child or young person’s family members. For any support in these conversations, please speak with your LWB key worker. You can use the following tips to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine with family members:

  • Acknowledge that there are differing views about vaccinations and that you are aware that some people are vaccine hesitant for a range of reasons.
  • Ask open ended questions about their point of view and values in relation to vaccinations.
  • Ask questions to determine how we can / will support their child’s vaccination.
  • Provide advice about where they can get information about vaccinations, such as the Australian Department of Health website.
  • Encourage them to seek advice from a GP or trusted medical professional, Aboriginal Medical Service, or advocate.
  • Discuss what information the child or young person needs and who is best to give them that information

Child-friendly resources

There are many great resources available to support talking with children and young people about the COVID-19 vaccine. See links below:

__ LWB COVID-19 Response Unit__

Know that you can always contact your LWB Key worker for any support or concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination for children and young people in your care. For further information and support, you can also contact the Life Without Barriers’ COVID-19 Response Uni on 1800 313 117 and covidresponse@lwb.org.au

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