As more and more children are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, one healthcare professional and mother is embracing the questions she knows they will inevitably have.
Nicole Peterson, PA-C, a physician assistant at Carle Foundation Hospital's emergency department in Urbana, Illinois, is providing answers to tough questions with her recently self-published children's book, Francine and the Vaccine.
The 30-page book, written and illustrated by Peterson, tells the story of a young girl named Francine who's about to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and feels empowered by knowing that she's doing her part in keeping herself and others healthy.
A mother of two sons, aged 3 and 5, Peterson said her oldest child had a lot of questions prior to getting vaccinated and served as the inspiration for Francine and the Vaccine.
Peterson talked with Medscape Medical News about the book.
Francine and the Vaccine helps children understand the importance of getting vaccinated.
Have you ever taken on a project like this before?
I have never taken on a project of this nature before. I have thought about writing and illustrating a children's book in the past but, over time, figured it was just a pipe dream. It was not until I had the idea for Francine and the Vaccinethat I had the proper motivation to make it a reality.
