Superheroes at Cavan Vaccination Centre - group photo

Staff at the Cavan based HSE Vaccination Centre donned superhero costumes in recent weeks to create a more inviting space and welcoming experience for children attending.  The centre, at the Kilmore Hotel, Cavan was decorated in an appropriately child friendly manner and among the superheroes and characters in attendance were Action Man, Spiderman and Snow White. The children received a certificate commending them for their bravery and were given a ribbon to place on a wishing tree created by local artist Heather Brett. 

Child Friendly Approach

RTE North East Correspondence Sinead Hussey visited the centre where Eddie Ward, Operational Manager explained that they understood how some children may be nervous. But after the child friendly approach taken, they found that “the children here are not fearful. They might be slightly anxious but they know they are somewhere they are being looked after.  The more positive their experience, the more likely they are to return for their second vaccine. Some of the children don’t want to go home after the 15 minutes observation – that’s a good sign.”

Breaking down barriers and improving access was a priority, according to Cara O’Neill, Head of Health and Wellbeing in the area who told RTE:

“We are trying to make this a fun experience, but we have also been reaching out to more marginalised groups and we’ve also set up a bespoke clinic in provision centres, along with pop up clinics in areas where there are low uptakes.”

Leona Morrow with her Son Mackenzie Morrow after getting his vaccination with Superman Gary Coyle, Vaccinator Roisin Sexton Smith, Supergirl  Curran and Pte Bernard Harmon, 27th Battallion