Vaccination Investigation: The History and Science of Vaccines

by Tara Haelle

Overview

Vaccines are biological substances that cause the human immune system to build up its defenses against specific diseases. Public health officials recommend a series of vaccines for all children, as well as some vaccines for teenagers and adults. But not everyone gets the vaccines they need. Many poor nations don't have the resources to deliver vaccines to every community. Some parents refuse to have their children vaccinated because they don't believe the evidence proving that vaccines are safe.

The effort to wipe out diseases using vaccines continues. Vaccine Investigation recounts the fascinating history of vaccines, their important role in protecting community health, and the excitement of cutting-edge research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781512425307
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	01/01/2018
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

01 Vaccine Basics 4

02 Vaccine History 27

03 Creating a Vaccine 44

04 Pushback against Vaccines 64

05 What the Future Might Hold 89

Source Notes 108

Glossary 110

Selected Bibliography 113

Further Information 114

Index 117

Editorial Reviews

"[W]ell-researched, articulate, and thoughtful . . . an essential purchase . . ."—starred,Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

03/01/2018
Gr 8 Up—A bracing account of a doctor keeping patients with iron lungs alive sets the tone for this slim but succinct overview. Beginning with an explanation of infectious disease, Haelle briefly describes prevaccine advancements, such as better sewage treatment and improved food safety laws, before delving into science. Colorful diagrams explaining the immune system and replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enhance the narrative. Early vaccination attempts are intriguingly described, as are antivaccination claims. Recent setbacks, such as the failed Lyme disease vaccine, as well as advancements in one for the Ebola virus, are detailed. The birth of the modern antivaccination movement, including the media's influential role in presenting a "both sides" environment and Andrew Wakefield's discredited study linking vaccines to autism, is an eye-opening segment. Readers will also encounter sections on herd immunity, the threat of climate change on preventable diseases, and further studies for vaccines to prevent the Zika virus and HIV/AIDS. Layout and design have a clean, attractive format. In this age of antiscience and antivaccination information, this is a valuable resource for students and adult patrons. VERDICT A straightforward and persuasive overview that presents the history and necessity of vaccines. Recommended for large collections and middle and high school libraries.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

School Library Journal

★ 2018-02-05
Vaccines are often a focus of controversy as well as the subject of misleading information, making this authoritative resource all the more valuable.Science journalist Haelle (The Informed Parent, 2016) provides in-depth coverage of the history of vaccines, how they work, and why they are needed. She also explores the complicated issue of how they have become controversial, providing fascinating background information on the flawed research that has led some to link them to various adverse outcomes. Along with a 1982 television broadcast that erroneously reported that the DPT vaccine caused seizures and brain damage, the book also describes British doctor Andrew Wakefield's criminally misleading study that implicated the MMR vaccine in the apparent rise in autism. The relatively challenging text also incorporates information on common thinking patterns—cognitive biases—that lead people to readily embrace unscientific reasoning. Because this effort is so well-researched, articulate, and thoughtful in its presentation, and because it provides unbiased information on a critical topic of current concern, it represents an essential purchase for collections serving young adults.A must-have resource with fine backmatter that enhances its presentation. (source notes, glossary, bibliography, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 12-adult)

Kirkus Reviews