Vaccination Book Reviews - “Brings to an end the link between autism and vaccination"

The increasing distrust in vaccinations has triggered extensive public debate over whether or not vaccines are safe for children.

Thanks to new, innovative vaccines, a large number of deadly diseases have successful been eradicated.

As the general public in the USA and Europe become more concerned about the alleged side effects of vaccines, such as allergic reactions or autism, we may even ask ourselves whether vaccinations are still necessary. 

Two new books help clarify this debate with real-world insights.

• Book #1: Vaccines: Are they Worth a Shot? 

The dangerous decline in vaccinations in many developed countries is at the heart of a lively debate that confirms how important the subject is today.

"Unfortunately, vaccines have now become a victim of their own success", says Paul A. Offit, who wrote the foreword for Andrea Grignolio's new book. This book uses science to dispel false myths, ideologies, and preconceptions about vaccines.

Grignolio gives a historical overview of Anti-vaccination movements and then goes on to uncover errors in vaccine opponents' reasoning. In doing so, he concludes that a greater awareness of science will help the general public overcome its fear of vaccines.

• Book #2: Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel's Autism 

In 1994, Peter J. Hotez's nineteen-month-old daughter, Rachel, was diagnosed with autism. The alleged link between autism and vaccines was first espoused in a fraudulent scientific paper, long since retracted, but the story shows no signs of letting up.

As a result, we've seen deadly and disabling outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases around the country, and Texas, where Hotez lives, is at particular risk.

"When Dr. Peter Hotez shares his beliefs in the value of what he does are put to the test of life-guiding his own child's challenges, then you must pay attention. You should!”

“This book brings to an end the link between autism and vaccination."―from the foreword by a leading medical ethicist, Arthur L. Caplan, NYU School of Medicine

A uniquely authoritative account, this important book persuasively provides evidence for the genetic basis of autism and illustrates how the neurodevelopmental pathways of autism are underway before birth. 

Dr. Hotez draws on his experiences as a pediatrician, vaccine scientist, and father of an autistic child.

He outlines both sides of the debate, examines the science that refutes the concerns of the anti-vaccine movement, debunks current conspiracy theories alleging a cover-up by the CDC, and critiques the scientific community's failure to effectively communicate the facts about vaccines and autism to the general public, all while sharing his very personal story of raising a now-adult daughter with autism.

Dr. Hotez reminds readers of the many victories of vaccines over disease while warning about the growing dangers of the anti-vaccine movement, especially in the United States and Europe.

This book is a must-read for parent groups, child advocates, teachers, health-care providers, government policymakers, health and science policy experts, and anyone caring for a family member or friend with autism.