9 Books About Vaccines and Getting Shots
Vaccines are an important part of protecting ourselves and the community around us from contagious infections. Since vaccines are given with a needle, kids often wonder, “Will the shot hurt?” and “Why should I get shots?” Thankfully, books can answer kids’ questions about getting shots! Whether your child is getting their first shot or their tenth, reading books about vaccines can help them emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Here are 10 great children’s books about vaccines that you can read as a family.
Prepare your child for vaccines with great books
Set aside time to read, talk, and brainstorm together. Kid-friendly books give us words to support our children’s questions. They may feel comforted and inspired to learn about how characters in books share similar experiences.
Children’s books about vaccines and getting shots
These picture books are a great starting point for introducing vaccines and some diseases they prevent.
Vaccines: Learn about the Science of Immunity and How Vaccines Keep Us Healthy!
Don’t be fooled by the cute “Baby Medical School” label! Doctors wrote this book with real scientific terms about vaccines and the immune system. While it’s sturdy enough to read to babies, it’s also a great human body book for toddlers and big kids. Cartoon illustrations lighten the mood and simplify the complex topic of immunology for young learners.
A Vaccine is Like a Memory: Rhyming Science Picture Book
It’s true: a vaccine is like a memory, helping your body remember certain viruses and bacteria so that your immune system can fight off bad infections. A doctor wrote this book with kid-friendly explanations. Cute illustrations show how vaccines work.
The Secret Life of Viruses: Incredible Science Facts about Germs, Vaccines, and What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
In this vibrant picture book, kids learn that viruses are everywhere. Through cartoon illustrations and conversational sentences, the book explains what viruses are, how they spread, how vaccines work, why pandemics happen (such as COVID-19), and more.
Picture books for kids afraid of vaccines and getting shots
Is your child worried about getting vaccines? Stories can help kids process their emotions and overcome their fears.
Sofia and the Shot: Picture Book About Vaccines
In this fictional tale, Sofia is a 5-year-old girl who dreams about running away from the doctor’s office. She then finds herself on an adventure with her pet cat, Mr. Whiskers. Mr. Whiskers takes her on a journey to teach her about the history and purpose of vaccines, which is very reassuring. When Sofia wakes up, she understands the importance of getting vaccinated, and she feels ready to get the shot!
How Do Vaccines Work? A STEM Book about the Science Behind Immunizations for Kids
If your child is scared of shots, the “How Do Vaccines Work” story can validate and ease their fears. It breaks down the concept of the immune system and vaccines in simple terms and introduces human body science words like antigens, antibodies, and white blood cells.
When a Shot Meant a Lot: A Story for Kids About the COVID-19 Vaccine
Through playful rhyme, this picture book reflects on life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thoughtful questions cover topics like missing loved ones and common childhood worries about getting shots, which can prompt further discussion at home.
Children’s books about doctors and vaccines in history
Why were vaccines invented? These history-inspired books give a peek at the history of vaccines and important public health scientists like Dr. Jonas Salk.
Vaccines Change the World (Science in Action Book)
This nonfiction middle-grade book is perfect for kids ready for interesting details about science and history! It explains how vaccines were first created to cure dangerous diseases and how they saved countless lives worldwide.
The Polio Pioneer: Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine
Paired with beautiful, realistic illustrations, this picture book takes us back to World War II, when Dr. Salk was devastated to see people unable to walk. He became passionate about helping prevent other people from polio complications. Thanks to his invention of the polio vaccine and widespread immunization, the disease has been eradicated from most parts of the world.
A Shot in the Arm! Big Ideas that Changed the World Graphic Novel
This graphic novel about vaccines is perfect for older children in elementary school and middle school. With lively comic-style images and dialogue, kids can learn about the history of vaccinations against smallpox, measles, polio, rabies, cholera, influenza, and COVID-19. Leaders such as Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, Louis Pasteur, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, and Edward Jenner are also featured.
