These newly vaccinated Nashville kids have some advice for others: Don’t overthink it

The best part about getting the COVID vaccine when you’re in elementary school may just be missing an hour or two of classes. But some of the first patients to get their shots Monday morning had some advice for those who may be feeling some hesitation.

For starters, they say, don’t over think it.

“I just counted to 10, and then they started to do it when I was at three,” says Amya Elliott, a 9-year-old from Nashville who received her first dose at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. “If you overthink it, then it’s gonna hurt even more. So just calm down and just pretend that it’s not there. Or, just think of your favorite thing.”

Cindy Abrams WPLN News

Brothers Edison, 6, and Raleigh Fisher, 8, have been extra cautious during the pandemic because of Raleigh’s heart condition.

For Edison Fisher, a 6-year-old from Franklin, his “favorite thing” was just the distraction he needed.

“I acted like I was playing Super Mario,” he says. “It’s my favorite video game.”

His older brother Raleigh says kids should feel free to watch the needle — he did — or not. Whatever they feel. But think beyond that moment, he says.

“It’s going to be worth it so you can start doing stuff again,” he says.

When Raleigh says “doing stuff,” he’s referring to having a sleepover and browsing the toy aisle at Target. His mom, Jen, says they “have not stepped foot in a store or a restaurant since March 2020.” Raleigh has a heart condition that has made the Fisher family extra cautious.

Many of those vaccinated first thing on Monday have been to Vanderbilt Children’s many times. Harrison Humphreys, who is 11, says he can’t count how many times he’s been in the hospital. So for him, the public good is top priority.

“It’s really quick and easy,” he says. “And once it’s done you protect yourself and you protect others.”