A New York Times Best Seller A National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist A New York Times Book Review Top 10 Book of the Year A Facebook "Year of Books" Selection One of the Best Books of the Year * National Book Critics Circle Award finalist * The New York Times Book Review (Top 10) * Entertainment Weekly (Top 10) * New York Magazine (Top 10)* Chicago Tribune (Top 10) * Publishers Weekly (Top 10) * Time Out New York (Top 10) * Los Angeles Times * Kirkus * Booklist * NPR's Science Friday * Newsday * Slate * Refinery 29 * And many more... Why do we fear vaccines? A provocative examination by Eula Biss, the author of Notes from No Man's Land, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award Upon becoming a new mother, Eula Biss addresses a chronic condition of fear-fear of the government, the medical establishment, and what is in your child's air, food, mattress, medicine, and vaccines. She finds that you cannot immunize your child, or yourself, from the world. In this bold, fascinating book, Biss investigates the metaphors and myths surrounding our conception of immunity and its implications for the individual and the social body. As she hears more and more fears about vaccines, Biss researches what they mean for her own child, her immediate community, America, and the world, both historically and in the present moment. She extends a conversation with other mothers to meditations on Voltaire's Candide, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, Susan Sontag's AIDS and Its Metaphors, and beyond. On Immunity is a moving account of how we are all interconnected-our bodies and our fates.

By two years of age, healthy infants in the United States can receive up to 20 vaccinations to protect against 11 diseases. Although most people know that vaccines effectively protect against serious infectious diseases, approximately one-quarter of parents in a recent survey believe that infants get more vaccines than are good for them, and that too many immunizations could overwhelm an infant's immune system. The Immunization Safety Review Committee reviewed the evidence regarding the hypothesis that multiple immunizations increase the risk for immune dysfunction. Specifically, the committee looked at evidence of potential biological mechanisms and at epidemiological evidence for or against causality related to risk for infections, the autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes, and allergic disorders.

Inoculate yourself against the confusion and misinformation surrounding vaccines Measles, mumps, and rubella—oh my! Why are we vaccinating our children—and ourselves—against these diseases, and what goes on in our bodies after the needle comes out? Vaccines For Dummies will inform and entertain you about all things vax, including how the first vaccines were discovered, what’s in modern vaccines, how they are tested and approved for use, and why the CDC’s vaccine schedule is what it is. Inside, you’ll also find a complete guide to vaccine benefits, potential side effects, and contraindications, so you’ll be ready when shot time comes. From the very first inoculations hundreds of years ago to the brand new COVID-19 shot, creating immunity to diseases has become a human specialty. If you’re wondering how safe and how necessary it all is, you aren’t alone. In Vaccines For Dummies, we’ll explore the issue from every angle, empowering you to take charge of your wellbeing. With this book, you will: Discover the ABCs of vaccines, including what they’re made of and how they work Learn about each recommended childhood and adult immunization, plus the seasonal flu shot, all with this evidence-based guide Take a journey through vaccine history, meeting the major players of yesterday and today Decide what’s right for your family, with the help of the most recent vaccine science Parents, parents-to-be, adults of any age, and anyone who wants to delve into the microscopic world of pathogens and their arch nemeses (antigens and antibodies) will get a double dose of knowledge from Vaccines For Dummies.