Looking for inspiration to get your flu vaccination? “Just do it!” says Ruckus, age 5

When Jackie Whitman, wife of Rowdy and mom to Ruckus, 5, and Daisy, 18 months, saw Winona Health’s Facebook post about the Free Community Flu Vaccination Clinics, she and Rowdy planned to get the whole family vaccinated together. Working in a childcare setting, Jackie gets a flu shot every year and has their kids vaccinated as well. “Last year, Rowdy got the flu really bad and shared it with our baby and son. Luckily, both of them had already gotten a flu shot, so their symptoms were mild compared to his,” said Jackie. “It was already decided that when it was time this year, everyone in our house would get a flu shot. Plus, with everything COVID-19 has brought into our lives this year, we want to do as much as we can to help protect our family and the ones around us.” Here, Jackie shares her experience at Winona Health Community Flu Vaccination Clinic. We were greeted by a person at the entrance, asked Covid-19 screening questions, and had our temperatures taken. We then got checked in (all four of us at once) and waited about five minutes. There were markings on the floor to remind everyone to stay socially distant and, when it was our turn, we all went together. The staff was wonderful! We had two people giving the shots to our family. They both were kind, asked questions (which arm), and I especially liked that they took a moment to interact with both my children so that they didn’t seem so scary with their masks and shields on, and also after, making sure they were ok and sharing a sticker with them. Our son was scared, and after watching my husband get his shot, he wanted to get it over with quickly. So, while the nurse was trying to comfort him and prepare him, he looked at her and loudly said, “Just do it!” and it was quickly over with! My kids did fine—they both cried when it happened, but settled quickly, within two minutes, and acted fine the rest of the day. Jackie shared these parent-to-parent tips: Stay positive and comforting. If your child has a toy or snuggly they like to hold, you could bring that. We talked about what was going to happen before we went, so our 5-year-old wasn’t surprised by it. For bigger kids, set up a goal. For example: we’re going to get our flu shots and then afterwards we are going to build your Lego truck together. For younger kids, the faster you do it, the faster it’s over with! Most younger kids are going to cry when getting a shot, but are ok very shortly after with some comfort and love. A warm bath that night can help if they are a little sore from it, too. The Free Community Flu Vaccination Clinics are being funded by the Winona Health Foundation throughout October to make it as convenient and easy as possible for everyone in our community to receive the flu vaccine. The COVID-19 pandemic makes it more important than ever to prevent complications from the flu. For dates, locations and details, visit winonahealth.org.

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