I started talking to my kids about vaccines when they were babies. Yes, babies. That's what made
me feel better about getting them their shots. Being a vaccine researcher, I never questioned whether or not I'd vaccinate, but it's still not an easy task as a parent to get your kids their shots—the tears, the pinch of pain, the doctors' appointments. Eventually it got easier for me, and maybe a little harder for them. But I kept talking.
Today, my elementary-aged children are fine with getting their shots, and I think that's because I never stopped the conversation. They're curious little creatures and talking about those scary things seems to help a lot. Now that coronavirus vaccines are headed our way, it's especially important to start talking about vaccines with your kids.