AccessibleRI

Skip to content

AccessibleRI

Menu

Getting Vaccinated – A Story For Young Children

A father and daughter with a doctor. All are wearing masks. The father has thumbs up and the daughter is showing a peace sign.

Getting Vaccinated
A Story About Kids Like You

A woman pushing a stroller on a sidewalk alongside an older daughter. They are speaking to an elderly man and his grandson, who are looking out a window.

Being sick is not fun! Sometimes it can even be serious. Especially if germs are spread to other people.

A cartoon of a virus behind a

Luckily, scientists have created vaccines that help keep up healthy and safe.

A vaccine is a special kind of medicine that helps your body build immunity or protection against illness or disease.

A man holding his young daughter while a doctor with a clipboard speaks to them. All are wearing masks.

You might hear adults talking about the COVID-19 vaccine and the Flu vaccine.

Vaccines are important because they help keep us healthy and safe.

A sign reading
A boy wearing a mask receiving an injection from a doctor while sitting on his mother's lap.

Sometimes a vaccine is given by an injection, also known as a shot.

A technician, nurse, or pharmacist will use a small needle to put the medicine in your arm.

A young girl in a mask receiving an injection from a doctor.

Let's learn about what happens when people get vaccinated...

Cotton balls.
A young woman being prepared for an injection by a doctor.

Before your shot, the technician, nurse or pharmacist will clean your arm with a wipe or cotton ball.

Sometimes the wipe feels cold, but it does not hurt.

A doctor holding a needle toward the camera. The needle is in focus.

A shot has a small needle. Sometimes people are afraid of needles.

It's okay to feel afraid.

A doctor greets a young girl patient by touching elbows. The girl is being held by her mother.

If you are afraid, you can

  • Hold an adult's hand
  • Sit in mom or dad's lap
  • Use a fidget (like a squishy ball).
  • Look at a picture or sign on the wall. Count the colors or words you see!
  • Take 5 deep breaths.
  • Slowly count to 10.
  • Sing your favorite song.
A young girl in a mask receiving an injection from a doctor.

The nurse, pharmacist or technician will give you the shot.

This happens quickly and feels like a pinch.

A boy celebrating his vaccination by displaying the bandage. He is smiling.

Lastly, you will get a band-aid.

Now you can feel proud that you protected yourself, your family and your friends by getting a vaccine!

A girl sitting on a sofa with a stuffed animal.

After the vaccine, some people have side effects.
This means that you may:
● Have a sore arm
● Feel tired
● Have a headache

This is normal and goes away after a couple days.

These side effects let us know the vaccine is working.

Five children wearing colorful superhero costumes raising their arms.

You can be a hero!

When you are vaccinated, you help to keep you, your family and your friends from getting sick.

For more information or assistance getting a vaccine or booster shot, call (401) 834-1171, email vaxhelp@accessibleri.org, or visit our website AccessibleRI.org

Three girls with their arms around each other and smiling.

Download a Copy