Are vaccines safe? It depends on who you ask. These books present the risks and rewards of vaccinations for children from a variety of viewpoints -- including doctors, researchers, a midwife, an acupuncturist, and an angry parent.
1. Evidence of Harm
Subtitle: Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic: A Medical Controversy • Author: David Kirby, New York Times reporter • From the publisher's description: "An important and troubling book, 'Evidence of Harm' reveals both the public and unsung obstacles faced by desperate families who have been opposed by the combined power of the federal government, health agencies, and pharmaceutical giants."
2. Vaccines, Autism and Childhood Disorders
Subtitle: Crucial Data That Could Save Your Child's Life • Author: Neil Z. Miller, medical researcher and director of the Thinktwice Global Vaccine Institute • From the front cover: "'Neil Z. Miller is one of our premier chroniclers of the current issues and controversies surrounding childhood vaccine programs.' -- Harold Buttram, M.D."3. Vaccines
Subtitle: What You Should Know • Authors: Paul A. Offit, M.D., and Louis M. Bell, M.D., Chief of Infectious Diseases and Chief of General Pediatrics, respectively, at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. • From the back cover: "Get the straight facts about vaccines and make informed choices. ... Expanded information on vaccine safety includes discussion of vaccines and autism, mercury in vaccines, and the ability of children to tolerate numerous vaccines at once."4. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children's Vaccinations
Author: Stephanie Cave, M.D., pediatrician who has treated large numbers of autistic children; with Deborah Mitchell • From the back cover: "Once considered a godsend, vaccines are now felt by some to be associated with dramatic increases in brain and autoimmune diseases such as autism, asthma, diabetes, learning disabilities, and ADHD. Here is a vital, down-to-earth guide that will tell you which vaccines may be risky and what to consider to help safely vaccinate your children."5. Vaccinations: A Thoughtful Parent's Guide
Subtitle: How to Make Safe, Sensible Decisions about the Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives • Author: Aviva Jill Romm, midwife and herbalist • From the front cover: "'The best book I've seen on the subject. Its commonsense, nonhysterical approach assures legitimate informed consent.' -- Peggy O'Mara, publisher of Mothering magazine"6. The Vaccine Guide
Subtitle: Risks and Benefits for Children and Adults • Author: Randall Neustaedter, acupuncturist and doctor of Oriental medicine • From the back cover: "Parents who face a multitude of vaccines for their children and adults who must decide about flu shots, vaccination for international travel, hepatitis, and booster doses, now have a guide to the complex and confusing realm of vaccine choices."7. When Your Doctor Is Wrong
Subtitle: Hepatitis B Vaccine and Autism • Author: Judy Converse, registered dietician and vaccine safety advocate • The book tells the story of Converse's son, Ben, who survived a severe reaction to the Hepatitis B vaccine. Get a preview of the family's story here.8. A Shot in the Dark
Subtitle: Why the P in the DPT Vaccination May Be Hazardous to Your Child's Health • Authors: Harris L. Coulter, medical historian, and Barbara Loe Fisher, co-founder and president of the National Vaccine Information Center • From the back cover: "It provides accurate research into the history of the vaccine's development and usage. It exposes the roles played by the FDA and drug companies. It tells the tragic stories of the young victims...."