Ronald Gold
Ottawa: Canadian Paediatric Society; 2002. 344 pp. $19.95 ISBN 0-9682409-6-8
Available in French as: Les vaccins : Avoir la piqûre pour la santé de votre enfant. ISBN 0-96824-7-6
Rating: ****
Audience: Parents and caregivers with questions and concerns about modern vaccines.
Content: Introductory chapters include a primer on basic immunology and principles of immunization, as well as a summary of how the safety and effectiveness of vaccines are evaluated in Canada. The book continues with disease-by-disease discussions that provide a historical perspective on the impact and unique clinical aspects of particular diseases. The benefits of immunization for the individual, the family and society are clearly and convincingly presented. Newer vaccines (chicken pox, conjugate pneumococcal and meningococcal) are discussed thoroughly. Particularly appealing is a chapter written in a question-and-answer format to address most, if not all, of the current issues and perceived controversies about vaccines. Brief yet cogent discussions result from questions such as: “Can measles vaccine cause autism?”, “What about mercury in vaccines?” and “Don't vaccines wear out the immune system?” Additional resources are provided, as well as vaccine information sheets, which can be reproduced. Written for parents, this book is also intended for busy physicians and primary caregivers to use as ancillary to their discussions with parents about immunization.
Strengths: This is a well-written and informative book, with an appealing cover design and children's drawings throughout. A clear introduction delivers what is promised. In the disease-specific chapters, credible information is provided, often in the form of statistically accurate and visually convincing tables and graphs. Vaccine histories, side effects and associated risks are discussed in detail. Primary health care providers would do well to have this information at their fingertips.
Limitations: Because the reading level is quite high, some study is required, which may be the intent of the authors. Cost may also be an issue for some.
Kirsten A. Blaine
Pediatrician
Stratford, Ont.
This book is available through your local book retailer or through the publisher at www.cps.ca/english
/publications/Bookstore/YourChildsBestShotnew.htm