Peoria Academy of Sciences Treasure Hunt

3. What animal helped make the flu vaccine?

Explore this activity book from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to answer question 3. (Hint: be sure to look at page 9.)

This book is produced by the Vaccine Education Center and the Marketing & Public Relations Department at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. ©2018 Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, All Rights Reserved. 18061-10-18. Scientist illustrations ©Tim Song.

4. What does Dr. McLauchlan want her patients to know about vaccines?

Read this interview with Pediatrician - Dr. Heather McLauchlan - to answer question 4.

Q. How would you describe a “typical” day at work?
A. I am a pediatrician, which means a doctor for kids. Every day at work is a little bit different. When kids get sick, I try to use what I know to help them feel better. Kids are healthy most of the time, (which is great!) so a lot of what I do is preventative care to make sure that kids stay safe and healthy for their whole life.

Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. Oh, so many things! My favorite part about my job is having the opportunity to care for children. I am amazed at how strong and resilient kids can be. It is hard to see kids sick or hurting, but it is especially gratifying when I can help a child feel better. I also just LOVE talking to kids and parents. It’s lots of fun to hear what kids have to say; I laugh every day. It is such a privilege to be a part of a family’s journey and to watch children grow up.

Q. What do you tell young patients about vaccines?
A. Vaccines are an important way to help your body stay healthy. Many of the illnesses that vaccines prevent can be very serious in some people, so it’s important to do what we can to prevent them. Getting a shot might hurt a little bit, but it’s much better than getting a sickness that could be serious.

Q. What do you want your patients to know about vaccine safety?
A. Vaccine safety is a complicated topic. Every vaccine that is recommended for kids has been tested for safety. There are some rare vaccine side effects that are important to know about, but for most kids the benefits of being protected against serious illnesses is much greater than the risk of a very rare side effect. If kids want to know more about vaccines and safety, I recommend talking with their parents and doctors about this.

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