Jack was worried. His Mom had just told him he had to go to the doctors to get a shot.

His younger brother Little Mo and his youngest brother baby Franky also needed shots.

Jack started shouting, “But I don’t want a shot. It hurts!”

Little Mo yelled, “I hate shots!”

And baby Franky said, “I hate shots, too!”

Wahwahh noo!

Wahhhhh!

Wahhh!

But Jack’s Dad would have none of it. “Listen, boys,” he said to his three sons, “I know getting a shot at the doctors seems scary and frightening, but it is the responsible thing to do.”

Jack said, “I don’t know what responsible means and I don’t like the sound of it.”

Little Mo and baby Franky both nodded in agreement.

Jack’s Mom called for a family meeting and everyone sat around the dining room table.

She said to the three boys, “I understand how you feel. Shots can be scary. They are no fun. But you need to be brave. As citizens we have a responsibility—an obligation, a duty—to do the right thing. If you get your shots, you won’t get illnesses and diseases.”

Jack said, “You mean a shot gives me a little pain now, but it means I WON'T have as much pain later?”

His Dad said, “Well done, Jack, you have that exactly right. Not only will you not get as sick later, but you will help other people stay healthier too. And when you see the doctor, you can ask her why shots and vaccines are important. Doctors love to answer your questions!”

His Mom added, “The hurt from a shot only last a few seconds and it protects you from getting sick. When you don’t get sick, you don’t spread germs and illnesses to others. That means you are being a good citizen and you are acting responsibly.”

Jack, Little Mo, and baby Franky could see the point, but they still weren’t totally convinced, and they were still worried about the pain of the shot.

I'm a germ. Get your shots so you don't spread me around!