The Vaccine Controversy: The History, Use, and Safety of Vaccinations

(Hardback)

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A comprehensive guide to the history and types of vaccines and the controversies about their use Millions of people are vaccinated each year, whether they are older people looking to avoid bouts of influenza or children whose parents want to protect them from potentially deadly childhood diseases. Still, there remains a vocal segment of the population in opposition to all immunization, some even refusing to get mandated vaccinations for their children. Here, a specialist of internal medicine explores that paradox. Dr. Link explains the immune system and how it works, as well as the history of vaccine development, and the various types of vaccines including the efficacy and potential toxicity of each. A physician for more than 35 years, Link also spotlights possible future vaccines, such as those being developed in the hope of immunizing against HIV. Appendices to this work spell out current medical recommendations for vaccines, describe the legal issues involved in decisions to vaccinate or not, and explain the workings of clinical trials where work is done to determine if a vaccine is effective or not, or has any remarkable side effects. A strong supporter of vaccination programmes, Link says that all people should understand the powers, limitations and risks of immunization. Explains the history and different types of vaccine; Addresses public concerns about vaccination

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This concise book consists mainly of short (3- to 10-page) entries on both common and special vaccines, including all current vaccines and some under development. For each entry Link describes the disease agent and symptoms of illness; the history of the disease and vaccine development; and vaccine efficacy, safety, and side effects.It includes brief introductory chapters on the immune system, vaccine development and history, and disasters and near misses involving vaccinations, as well as appendixes on legal aspects of vaccination and clinical trials. Recommended. Undergraduates, professionals/practitioners, and general readers. * Choice *

Author Bio

KURT LINK M.D. is Assistant Professor of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University. He has been practicing medicine for more than 35 years.