The Vaccine Debate

A part of Greenwood's Health and Medical Issues Today series, The Vaccine Debate provides a straightforward introduction to the interaction between vaccines and the immune system.

The book documents the rise of the anti-vaccination movement, provides reasons for its prominence today, and explains the effects of vaccine refusal on public health. It also addresses concerns about the role of government in regulating vaccine production and administration, along with questions about vaccine safety.

Additionally, a majority of the book examines in detail seven major vaccine controversies and mainstream medical positions on them. These controversies are given individual attention, with questions at the end of each to encourage critical thinking about such topics as the effectiveness of vaccines in protecting public health and whether vaccinations should be mandatory for public school attendance.

"[This book] provides a straightforward introduction to the interaction between vaccines and the immune system. The book documents the rise of the anti-vaccination movement, provides reasons for its prominence today, and explains the effects of vaccine refusal on public health. It also addresses concerns about the role of government in regulating vaccine production and administration, along with questions about vaccine safety"--Provided by publisher.
"A worthwhile addition to health collections in academic and public libraries. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates, technical school students, and general readers." - Choice
"At a time when vaccine-preventable diseases, especially measles, are on the rise worldwide, this book looks at how people form their opinions about vaccines and takes an even-handed look at seven major vaccine controversies. It challenges readers to think deeply about what they believe about vaccines and why they hold these beliefs." - Fupping
"This is an excellent resource for public, consumer-health, and school libraries." - Booklist Online
"A clear history of vaccination in the United Kingdom and the United States, along with a presentation of the evolution of opposition movements . . . This book addresses an important issue and should be considered by all public, high school, and academic libraries." - ARBA