Judah Maccabee Goes to the Doctor Foreword by Blim

A special shield provides courage on the battlefield and in the doctor's office.--Kirkus Reviews

We all want to keep our children safe, and we sometimes struggle with how to do that. It is my hope that the story of Judah and his decision to trust his parents and pediatrician is meaningful for you as you navigate similar challenges. Blima Marcus, DNP, RN, MPH, from the Reader Note to Judah Maccabee Goes to the Doctor.

A young boy who initially refuses to get a shot finds inspiration in the Hanukkah story of the Maccabees to summon the courage to get vaccinated in order to help protect his infant sister who is too young to be vaccinated herself. Revised edition includes an introduction by Blima Marcus, a nurse practitioner who has worked with many families and communities to help them understand the importance and the benefits of vaccinations. as well as the research behind the recommendations.

More than anything, Judah wants to be a good big brother to his baby sister, Hannah. He even uses his new Maccabee shield to protect her from danger!

On the last day of Hanukkah, during a visit to the doctor, Judah refuses to have his shot. Surely, his shield can protect him from germs, too! But, as his doctor explains, the shot will protect Hannah by making sure Judah is healthy. To be the best big brother, Judah will have to be brave and make a decision. Being the best and the bravest wasn't only an outside, shiny-shield thing. It was an on-the-inside thing too. And that's what Judah had to show his little sister, Hannah.