A little outside my norm, but Eula Biss’ book, On Immunity: An Inoculation, is well worth the deviation.  Biss takes on the highly publicized Anti-Vaccination movement that has been sweeping the US, and yet she does so in a non-agressive, completely approachable way.  I cannot recommend this book enough! Whether you simply want to know more about vaccines and their history, or you’re really debating to vaccinate your children, Biss provides answers.

As a mother herself, Biss talks directly to the audience most directly affected by and directly causing the current vaccine/no-vaccine issues: The Parents.  She points out the fears of parenting: the worrying over what is right and wrong, what will cause your children harm, what will save them…where do you draw the line?!  These are natural, normal, and completely understandable. Just because you want the best and safest route for your children does not make you crazy for worrying over things you’ve been told may harm them!  However, Biss does not shirk her responsibilities: sometimes, the reward FAR outweighs the risk, as in the case of vaccinations.

Biss’ main thesis is that vaccinating is far safer and effective than not vaccinating, but it is alright to have questions and be cautious.  She sprinkles in history, science, ethics, and the moral issues surrounding vaccinations.  All of these serve to not only inform but to hopefully show the doubting reader an answer: choose vaccines, because even with the worries, they’re worth it.

My review may be short and glowing, but I can’t talk too much without telling you her entire book. In short, I recommend it for those interested in understanding how vaccines developed and why people fear them. More importantly, I definitely recommend it for those afraid of vaccinating their children. Biss really does a stellar job of targeting her audience without alienating them.  Give this book to anyone you know who doesn’t understand why vaccinations matter!