New vaccine storybook | Latest news

NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has today launched a children’s storybook designed to reduce the fear of vaccinations.  

The CCG collaborated with author and publisher, Gregoire Hodder and illustrator, Jamie Sugg, both based in Cambridgeshire, to create and publish Drew’s Fab Jab. With oversight from clinical teams, public health and education teams at Local Authorities in the East of England, and NHS England teams, the story follows a young mouse, Drew, who is on his way to his vaccination appointment. He receives tips from friends along his journey about how to reduce his nerves, as well as finding out how injections work. 

Around 8,000 copies of Drew’s Fab Jab have been donated to schools, libraries and vaccination centres across the East of England.  

The goal of the fun book, which is funded by NHS East, is to help families with young children understand the vaccination process, while also comforting those who may be nervous ahead of any vaccinations. 

Dr Gary Howsam, Chair at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s CCG, said: “It is exciting that Drew’s Fab Jab is now available for families across the Eastern Region. By reading the book, we hope it helps children feel more comfortable and relaxed while they have their vaccines. It is a great way to encourage families and schools to talk about why we have vaccinations.” 

Author and owner of Cambridge Children’s Books, Gregoire Hodder, adds: “I have always had the vision of writing and publishing books that help make a difference in people’s lives, so when Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG came to me with this proposal, I jumped at the chance. Working with the team to write and publish this lovely book has been a dream; no wonder we are all so proud of our NHS and those who work for it. I have two small kids, and one of them hates getting a jab. I know this book has made a difference to him, and I hope it will make a difference to many more children and their families.” 

Cambridgeshire based illustrator, Jamie Sugg, concluded: "This has been an exciting project to work on with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG; it's been a privilege to help create something which will encourage children to make informed decisions about their health."