Getting a shot social story for kids
A getting-a-shot social story is a short picture book that shows a child what happens at a shot appointment: the exam room, the little wipe, the quick pinch and the bandage. Knowing each step ahead of time can make the moment feel more predictable. Ready Story adds your child's name and look on every page.
Make this story with your child's name and look$3.99 per book. Preview every page first. No account.What happens when a child gets a shot
- Getting there and waitingA grown-up drives to the doctor office. There is a waiting room, and a book can fill the time.
- The exam roomYour child sits on the exam table with a grown-up close. The nurse says what will happen first.
- Talking and deep breathsIt is OK to feel nervous. Your child can ask questions, take a big breath and squeeze a teddy.
- A little wipeThe nurse rolls up the sleeve and cleans a spot on the arm with a wipe that may feel cold.
- The shotIt is a quick pinch. Your child keeps the arm still, looks away and counts. It is over fast.
- A hug and a bandageIt may hurt a little, then it stops. It is OK to cry. A small bandage goes on, and the arm may feel sore later.
- Feeling proud and going homeYour child can feel proud, and then you head home.
Before, during and after
Before
- Read the story a few times before the appointment, at a calm time.
- Practice big breaths, counting and looking away.
- Ask the nurse about numbing options, positions that help, or a chance to see the supplies first.
- Decide on a comfort plan: teddy, hand, song or a favorite video.
During
- Say what is happening in the story's words, and be honest that it is a quick pinch.
- Offer a choice, like which arm or which comfort item.
- Praise bravery with specific words, like "You kept your arm still."
After
- Give a hug, as on the last pages.
- Remind your child the arm may feel sore later.
- Do something calm and fun together.
A look inside the book
Three real pages from the getting a shot book. In your copy, your child's name and look replace the bracketed words and the child in the picture.
Page 1 of 13: Saying hello My name is [your child's name]. Soon I will get a shot. Shots help keep me healthy.
Page 9 of 13: The shot The nurse gives me the shot. I may get more than one. It is a quick pinch. I try to keep my arm still, and [grown-up] can help. I can look away and count. It is over fast.
Page 12 of 13: Feeling proud I can feel proud. I did it!
Questions parents ask
Is the story scary?
It uses calm, literal words: a quick pinch that may hurt a little, then it stops. It also says it is OK to feel nervous or to cry.
Should I tell my child the shot will not hurt?
The story says it may hurt a little, then it stops. Many families prefer honest words. Talk to your child's care team about what works for your child.
Can I add the reason for the shot?
Yes. You can edit the words on each page, for example to name the appointment or the comfort plan.
How much does it cost?
$3.99 per book. You preview every page first, and you do not need an account.
Does this give medical advice about vaccines?
No. It only prepares a child for the steps of the visit. Ask your child's care team about any medical question.
More social stories
Looking for a daily routine? Try the free bedtime routine chart. Or go back to the Ready Story home page.