Because I HATE SHOTS!
This book is designed to help parents explain the importance of getting vaccinated. The first part of the book is written for children; it begins with a simple rhyming story about a girl that is terrified of getting a shot. Laurie Zelinger uses age-appropriate language to talk about how vaccines fight off harmful germs to build immunity against infectious diseases. She speaks honestly about the anxiety and fear that shots can cause, while offering powerful visual representation that can alleviate the fear of getting vaccinated. In addition to these illustrations provided by Richa Kinra, this book includes heart-felt drawings from real children.
The second section of this book is intended for adults. Dr. Zelinger provides educational information so they can answer any questions that children may ask regarding immunizations. She uses her psychology background to explain the needle related fear. By providing adults with the physical and psychological symptoms of needle phobia, parents will be able to understand their symptoms and help guide them through their anxieties. The author also uses examples of play activities that can be used to help alleviate shot related fear for children of all ages.
Seattle Book Review by: Rita Long
By addressing the child’s fear, Dr. Zelinger is also preparing the parent/caregiver by helping her interpret the intimidation of needles and playing an active role in making the medical visits comfortable and cooperative. Some of her tips are, addressing the fear rather than avoiding it, pretend play, and distraction at the time of the shot. Indeed, practical approaches.
Finally, she says that it is essential for the parent to “remain calm and reassuring.” Kids are very observant and quick to pick up cues from adults. If the parent is anxious and worried, it will further stress the child – We couldn’t agree more with this reflection!
This book harbors the secrets to change how young minds manifest words like jab and shots. It stays alongside parents and caregivers so that they can hold the hands of their little ones in a way that is informative and hopeful. No wonder we highly recommend this book for every child and adult who wants to make this journey a smooth ride.
Quotidian Tales, December 29, 2021 – CLICK HERE to read the complete review
Shots, injections, needles, and vaccines-whatever their purpose, they all hurt. More than half of children in the 6-17 year-old range report a strong fear of needles. Nearly 25% of adults do as well. This book is for those families who cringe at the thought of getting one.
For some children, getting a shot is a major ordeal. Ramped-up anxiety can lead to tantrums, meltdowns, outbursts and even fainting. That 30-second experience can be a nightmare for parents for and nursing staff alike. “Please Explain Vaccines to Me: Because I HATE SHOTS!” by Laurie Zelinger is vital resource will help to improve that dreaded scenario.
“Please Explain Vaccines to Me: Because I HATE SHOTS!” opens with an engaging story for children where rhyme, colorful illustrations and characters of diversity capture a child’s interest as they identify with a girl who has similar fears. The children’s section is followed by a comprehensive guide for parents and caregivers, based on empirical research as well as Dr. Zelinger’s decades of experience as a child psychologist, where she offers information and explicit solutions to help deal with the anxiety surrounding this common medical procedure.
Children will: Identify with the main character and her fear of shots; Enjoy the colorful illustrations and happy story ending; Learn coping mechanisms to deal with frightening situations; Feel supported by their parents who will know how to help; Reduce their anxiety and become more cooperative during medical visits. While Parents and Caregivers will: Understand the reasoning behind the fear of injections; Learn strategies to help their child before and during a medical visit; Be better able to comfort their child.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief Midwest Book Review
Dr. Laurie Zelinger has done it again with another excellent child and parent friendly book that helps to allay fears and empower families and professionals with the tools to help children develop healthy coping skills. I Hate Shots addresses the very real and all-too-common fear of injections. This book has it all: a relatable and simple yet engaging text in rhyme that is fun to read aloud, as well as colorful illustrations that provide an honest and relatable depiction of the emotions involved. It includes a detailed parent guide providing clear cut science-based strategies to assist all caregivers.
As an experienced nurse and health educator, I see I Hate Shots as a “must have” resource for all caregivers, educators and health professionals.
Darlene Glasser, RN, MSEd
This book fills a need to relieve childhood fears and anxieties before receiving a shot. Dr. Zelinger writes so children understand. The poem format for the children’s part is fun and easy to read. Her suggestions for pediatricians and parents to help reduce fear are creative and easy to do. For example, play doctor with role reversals, magnify the skin pores and compare to needle skin holes, numbing cream, and puppet play. Dr. Zelinger explains how less fear means less anxiety, which leads to less pain. A must read for parents, children and pediatricians.
Allan M. Rothenberg, MD,FAAP, Pediatrician Diplomate, American Board of Pediatrics Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics Medical Expert, Pediatrics Disability, Social Security Administration
Dr. Zelinger wrote a much needed, timely book for children who hate shots and their parents who have to handle their reactions. She is very adept at explaining difficult concepts to kids with caring, warmth and humor. The appealing story and colorful pictures blend together in a child-friendly scenario that enables children to address and conquer their fears. The Parent/Caregiver guide carefully explains common terms, the prevalence of needle-related fears, heritability, and temperament issues. Dr. Zelinger’s recommendations for parents are extremely helpful and creative, providing them with very useful tools to address specific fears. I look forward to using her book with both patients and family members.
Gale Grobstein, Ph.D Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Laurie Zelinger’s “Please Explain Vaccines to Me because I HATE SHOTS!” is absolutely brilliant. I would highly recommend that children and their parents read it prior to appointments with their physicians and dentists. As a pediatric dentist, I have seen so many of the techniques that Dr. Zelinger describes work well for my patients. I have often wished for a book like this for patients that have come ill prepared for injections. I am so glad that now there is such a book, and I will certainly be recommending it to my patients and their parents.
Brittany Schorr DDS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
“I HATE SHOTS” is a book that every parent will want to read to their child before getting a shot. It demystifies vaccinations with language that a child will both understand and want to question further. “I HATE SHOTS” also gives both children and parents the language they need to express their anxiety about the process and the tools to lessen that anxiety. I look forward to recommending this book in my practice as well as reading it to my own children. It gets 5 stars!
Yael Kula, MSW, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker