Anna M. (chickpea) - , reviewed The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
This book provides a balanced look at research, pros and potential risks of vaccinations. Details provided about each vaccine (side effects, ingredients, etc) and then traditional and alternative vaccine schedules are discussed. I found this to be a thoughtful, easy to understand guide, that allowed me to discuss vaccines with our pediatrician.
I love this book. It's a fantastic "middle of the road" approach to vaccination. Dr. Sears (the son of the more famous Dr. Sears) gives you all the information - about the diseases the vaccines are meant to prevent, the benefits of each vaccine, the possible risks, why some people may chose not to get it, even ingredients - shares his personal opinion on it, and leaves the decision up to you. It's rare that we as parents are treated as if we're intelligent enough to make a decision on our own!! He includes a very clear "alternative vaccination schedule", which many parents are more comfortable with than the traditional vaccine schedule in our country - one that ends up giving your child 30-something shots by the time they're 5. He also includes tips for reducing your child's risk of side effects, etc. Overall, this book is a fantastic tool that allows parents to make their own truly informed decisions about a very important (and controversial) topic.
With an easy to follow structure and complete information of each vaccine, this book allows you to know more and make an informed decision. I like that it explains each ingredient and risks of each.