Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

National Immunization Awareness Week

April 22, 2017- April 29, 2017

In recognition of National Immunization Awareness Week (NIAW), I've asked staff from Toronto Public Health to share their knowledge of immunization and provide some children's book suggestions. 

Don't forget to check out the Your Health Matters programs at the library!

Written by: Toronto Public Health

With the recent spread of mumps and measles in Toronto, NIAW reminds us about the importance of vaccines to protect our families from infections and diseases.

6 reasons you don’t want the mumps:

1. Families can spread the germs without knowing.
2. Mumps can give you fever, pain and a puffy neck.
3. Being sick means your kids will have to stay home and cannot play with their friends.
4. You may have to miss work.
5. Mumps can sometimes cause permanent hearing loss.
6. Mumps can ruin selfies.

Your family does not need superpowers to be protected against mumps:

1. Two doses of MMR vaccine is the best protection against mumps!
2. Vaccines protect you and others. Having your family vaccinated will protect your baby, who is too young to get the vaccine.
3. Don’t share drinks, water bottles, foods or eating utensils.
4. Stay home if you are sick.
5. Wash your hands often with soap and water.

 Children's Book Suggestions:

Arthur's Chicken Pox by Marc Brown

Arthur is looking forward to going to the circus, when he came down with the chicken pox. D.W. teases him about his spots. On the day of the circus, Arthur is well enough to go, but D.W. wakes up with the spots.

The Berenstain Bears Go To The Doctor by Stan & Jan Berenstain

Sister Bear is brave about her booster shot, and Brother Bear is fine, but…..

Wash Your Hands by Tony Ross

When the little princess hears about the germs and nasties living all around her, she understands the importance of washing her hands a lot.

You Can't Eat Your Chicken Pox, Amber Brown by Paula Danzinger

Amber Brown is an excited third grader going to visit her Aunt in London. Amber is all set for the best vacation ever until she gets the chicken pox! Amber is itchy and bored. Is her vacation ruined?

For more information:

Toronto Public Health- Immunization Information Centre

Toronto Public Health
235 Danforth Avenue, Floor 2
Toronto, Ontario M4K 1N2

Telephone: 416-392-1250

Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.