"Child Flu Vaccination"

My young child was nervous but excited about getting their flu vaccination. 

They are a strong, independent and thoughtful child who’s been raised with body autonomy and in this day and age, plenty of exposure to protective behaviours and being taught their body is theirs. 

Unfortunately, when we went in for our needle, they sat in the chair like the brave, independent soul they are and was just getting ready to brave themself when the nurse grabbed their arm and administered the needle with no warning, no consent, no conversation, what I felt was no respect for my child at all. The look of absolute shock and horror on my child's face broke my heart and ignited my anger! I felt there was no respect for their body being theirs, I felt no consent sought nor received. I feel it was brutal, disrespectful treatment and I believe if a nurse treated me that way I’d be ropable so why a child. I fear this will now cause my child much anxiety in future when facing medical spaces, when I believe their bodily autonomy and right to give consent was seemingly not respected. So so so disappointing.

Geraldton community health centre. My child cried and cried, less because of the needle but entirely because “they weren’t ready” a completely avoidable outcome, in my opinion, if the needle had been administered with someone who I feel gave dignified, respectful care of children.