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The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child
With the spate of publicity surrounding the possible health risks posed by childhood immunization, parents are no longer simply following doctor's orders and automatically having their children vaccinated. Instead, they are asking questions. The problem is the search for answers only leads parents to conflicting, one-sided information: doctors claim that parents are endangering their child's life if they refuse shots, while radical vaccine opponents claim parents are endangering their child's life if they accept shots. With The Vaccine Book, parents finally have one, fair, impartial, fact-based resource they can turn to for answers. Each chapter is devoted to a disease/vaccine pair and offer a comprehensive discussion of what the disease is, how common or rare it is, how serious or harmless it is, the ingredients of the vaccine, and any possible side effects from the vaccine. Ultimately, parents will have to make their own informed decisions as Dr. Bob Sears is neither pro-vaccine nor anti-vaccine. But The Vaccine Book will provide exactly the information parents want and need as they make their way through the vaccination maze.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2007
779 people are currently reading
1884 people want to read
About the author
Robert W. Sears
22 books23 followersRobert W. Sears, MD, is a father of three, board-certified in Pediatrics, and a co-author in the Sears Parenting Library. "Dr. Bob", as he likes to be called by his little patients, earned his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1995. He did his pediatric internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, finishing in 1998. Dr. Bob is the proud father of three active boys, Andrew, age 15, Alex, age 12, and Joshua age 6. He and his wife, Cheryl, reside in Dana Point, CA. In his spare time Dr. Bob enjoys surfing the California waves, mountain biking, playing bass guitar with his teenage son guitarist, and trying to keep up with his three children.
Dr. Bob enjoys a very unique approach to pediatrics by providing a combination of alternative and traditional medical care. He has a passion for healthy natural living and incorporates this knowledge into a style of disease treatment and prevention that you won?t find in most doctors offices. By limiting antibiotic use, using science-based natural treatment approaches whenever possible, and focusing on good nutrition and immune system health, Dr. Bob takes preventative medicine to a whole new level. His commitment to breastfeeding success for all his patients also helps babies get a right start in life.
Dr. Bob has a particular passion for helping parents understand childhood vaccines and the options open to them in choosing the safest possible vaccine schedule for their child. As the solo author of The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child, his in-depth knowledge of vaccines and the diseases they prevent has helped parents nationwide get a better understanding of this complex and confusing issue.
Having had the privilege to help raise three active boys, Dr. Bob has grown fond of the "parenting" side of pediatrics. He especially enjoys talking to parents in his practice about the joys, and trials, of watching their little babies and toddlers thrive through the first several years of life.
Dr. Bob is committed to enjoying a slow-paced, casual atmosphere in the office, providing long checkups, giving parents the flexibility to ask for house calls at home when needed and being one of the very few Orange County pediatricians to be available after hours, overnight, and on weekends for phone calls and home visits. Because he is not contracted with any insurance companies he is able to focus his attention 100% on just being a doctor without having to worry about the business side of running an insurance-based office. His patients take care of billing their own insurance themselves and find that once they learn the process it is very easy.
Dr. Bob has appeared on the Dr. Phil show to offer advice on child behavior and parenting issues. He has also appeared on the Ellen DeGeneris show, CNN's House Calls with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the CBS Early Show, and PBS?s "A Place of Our Own".
Dr. Bob is a frequent speaker at La Leche League conferences, including Colorado, Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, California/Nevada and the International LLL Conference 2007 as well as various parenting health Expos. He has written for Contemporary Pediatrics, Newsweek Japan, and dozen?s of regional parenting magazines across the nation. Dr. Bob is co-author of The Updated Baby Book, The Premature Baby Book, The Baby Sleep Book 2005 and Father's First Steps: 25 Things Every New Dad Should Know and author of The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for your Child and an active contributor to the content of AskDrSears.com and several other parenting websites. He is also a regular contributor to Working Mother magazine.
Dr. Bob enjoys a very unique approach to pediatrics by providing a combination of alternative and traditional medical care. He has a passion for healthy natural living and incorporates this knowledge into a style of disease treatment and prevention that you won?t find in most doctors offices. By limiting antibiotic use, using science-based natural treatment approaches whenever possible, and focusing on good nutrition and immune system health, Dr. Bob takes preventative medicine to a whole new level. His commitment to breastfeeding success for all his patients also helps babies get a right start in life.
Dr. Bob has a particular passion for helping parents understand childhood vaccines and the options open to them in choosing the safest possible vaccine schedule for their child. As the solo author of The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child, his in-depth knowledge of vaccines and the diseases they prevent has helped parents nationwide get a better understanding of this complex and confusing issue.
Having had the privilege to help raise three active boys, Dr. Bob has grown fond of the "parenting" side of pediatrics. He especially enjoys talking to parents in his practice about the joys, and trials, of watching their little babies and toddlers thrive through the first several years of life.
Dr. Bob is committed to enjoying a slow-paced, casual atmosphere in the office, providing long checkups, giving parents the flexibility to ask for house calls at home when needed and being one of the very few Orange County pediatricians to be available after hours, overnight, and on weekends for phone calls and home visits. Because he is not contracted with any insurance companies he is able to focus his attention 100% on just being a doctor without having to worry about the business side of running an insurance-based office. His patients take care of billing their own insurance themselves and find that once they learn the process it is very easy.
Dr. Bob has appeared on the Dr. Phil show to offer advice on child behavior and parenting issues. He has also appeared on the Ellen DeGeneris show, CNN's House Calls with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the CBS Early Show, and PBS?s "A Place of Our Own".
Dr. Bob is a frequent speaker at La Leche League conferences, including Colorado, Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, California/Nevada and the International LLL Conference 2007 as well as various parenting health Expos. He has written for Contemporary Pediatrics, Newsweek Japan, and dozen?s of regional parenting magazines across the nation. Dr. Bob is co-author of The Updated Baby Book, The Premature Baby Book, The Baby Sleep Book 2005 and Father's First Steps: 25 Things Every New Dad Should Know and author of The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for your Child and an active contributor to the content of AskDrSears.com and several other parenting websites. He is also a regular contributor to Working Mother magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 573 reviews
October 11, 2012
I read this book to prepare myself for the onslaught of questions about vaccines from families in my practice. Dr. Sears (the author is actually the son of the famous Dr. Sears, this might fool some people) does present each vaccine and the disease it prevents in a nicely organized (and apparently researched) way. He also lays out the issues that, in the media and general public, seem to be surrounding the vaccines. The book is easy to read and probably will be helpful to those parents who have vague yet overwhelming fears about vaccines--at least they will have a more complete understanding of what the vaccines are and what they will prevent, and of which vaccines seem to be controversial to the lay public.
However, Dr. Sears then presents alternative vaccine schedules for parents to use instead of those recommended and endorsed by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), ACIP (American Committee on Immunization Practices), and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). This is a very presumptuous move on his part. It seems to be based on personal opinion, and cater to the fears of and pressure from people who are generally "anti-vaccine." It is astounding to me that he would take on the responsibility of creating alternative immunization schedules that the public has no way of evaluating in comparison to the established schedules set up by the above listed organizations. The book sells his qualifications as a "board-certified pediatrician and the coauthor of several books." As far as I can determine he has no more qualifications to make public health and infectious disease recommendations than any other board-certified pediatrician in the USA (there are quite a few of us, since board certification is often a requirement for state licensure and maintaining malpractice insurance coverage as well as contracts with medical insurance companies).
Read it with your EYES OPEN.
ADDENDUM 10/11/2012: Four years later I am more vehemently opposed to the alternative vaccination schedules proposed by this book. My own daughter is currently suffering from pertussis (whooping cough). Despite being fully vaccinated for pertussis, she still contracted the disease. She is weak, coughing, vomiting, and whooping now for six weeks--the end is still not in sight. Our family and her close friends all had to take preventive antibiotics. She missed school. Notices went out to all her classmates. Others in her school were affected by the illness. Vaccine clinics were held in her school. I blame this illness on the excessively high presence of pertussis bacteria in the community as a result of an inadequately vaccinated population. Our protection from vaccines relies on both personal immunity AND "herd" immunity. The current acellular pertussis vaccine, although having fewer side effects, is not individually as effective as the whole cell pertussis vaccine. We can only rely on it if ALL are vaccinated. The real danger to our children is the DISEASES we are trying to prevent, NOT the vaccines we are giving to prevent them! I see many parents of new babies referring to Dr. Sears' book as if it were the bible of vaccines. The book is recommended to them by a new parent class or birthing class, and they latch onto it as if it were a life raft. I would strongly recommend those who are feeling unsure of vaccines to also read some of the books written by Paul Offit, MD. Unlike Dr. Sears, Dr. Offit is highly qualified to make recommendations and provide information about the diseases and vaccines used to prevent them. You might also check out the web site at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP, vaccines.chop.edu) for some factual information about immunizations and the controversies.
However, Dr. Sears then presents alternative vaccine schedules for parents to use instead of those recommended and endorsed by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), ACIP (American Committee on Immunization Practices), and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). This is a very presumptuous move on his part. It seems to be based on personal opinion, and cater to the fears of and pressure from people who are generally "anti-vaccine." It is astounding to me that he would take on the responsibility of creating alternative immunization schedules that the public has no way of evaluating in comparison to the established schedules set up by the above listed organizations. The book sells his qualifications as a "board-certified pediatrician and the coauthor of several books." As far as I can determine he has no more qualifications to make public health and infectious disease recommendations than any other board-certified pediatrician in the USA (there are quite a few of us, since board certification is often a requirement for state licensure and maintaining malpractice insurance coverage as well as contracts with medical insurance companies).
Read it with your EYES OPEN.
ADDENDUM 10/11/2012: Four years later I am more vehemently opposed to the alternative vaccination schedules proposed by this book. My own daughter is currently suffering from pertussis (whooping cough). Despite being fully vaccinated for pertussis, she still contracted the disease. She is weak, coughing, vomiting, and whooping now for six weeks--the end is still not in sight. Our family and her close friends all had to take preventive antibiotics. She missed school. Notices went out to all her classmates. Others in her school were affected by the illness. Vaccine clinics were held in her school. I blame this illness on the excessively high presence of pertussis bacteria in the community as a result of an inadequately vaccinated population. Our protection from vaccines relies on both personal immunity AND "herd" immunity. The current acellular pertussis vaccine, although having fewer side effects, is not individually as effective as the whole cell pertussis vaccine. We can only rely on it if ALL are vaccinated. The real danger to our children is the DISEASES we are trying to prevent, NOT the vaccines we are giving to prevent them! I see many parents of new babies referring to Dr. Sears' book as if it were the bible of vaccines. The book is recommended to them by a new parent class or birthing class, and they latch onto it as if it were a life raft. I would strongly recommend those who are feeling unsure of vaccines to also read some of the books written by Paul Offit, MD. Unlike Dr. Sears, Dr. Offit is highly qualified to make recommendations and provide information about the diseases and vaccines used to prevent them. You might also check out the web site at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP, vaccines.chop.edu) for some factual information about immunizations and the controversies.
January 21, 2011
I decided to read this book after hearing several other not-entirely-pro-vaccine moms mention it. It is really easy to read and understand, but it left me thinking that perhaps Dr. Sears doesn't understand as much as he thinks he does, and he's giving parents some dangerous misinformation.
My main beef with the book is his obsession with aluminum adjuvants. He presents his case by citing studies about aluminum toxicity from IV nutrition in premature babies and patients with kidney problems. It boggles my mind that he would even use this completely unrelated issue to make his case against using aluminum salts in vaccines (which are not administered intravenously, but intramuscularly, which is a distinction that he fails to make). He clearly didn't look very hard for information specifically about vaccines. If he had bothered to even do a Google Scholar search, he would have come across this article, which addresses concerns about additives in vaccines.
I was also very disappointed to see him cite Andrew Wakefield's retracted 1998 paper on MMR and autism. If I recall correctly, this book was published in 2007, and by that time Wakefield's research was already discredited (in fact, the GMC hearing, which would find him guilty of fraud, had begun), and other studies had been conducted which showed no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. It's really a shame that Dr. Bob chose to continue to propagate this myth.
My third complaint is with his alternate vaccine schedule, which he justifies mostly by reiterating his unsubstantiated concerns about aluminum. This is one issue that I go back and forth on. On the one hand, I like to see babies being protected from diseases. If parents are so worried about the potential risks of vaccines, it's better to see them vaccinate on a delayed schedule than not vaccinate at all. On the other hand, Dr. Bob spends his whole book confirming unfounded worries about vaccine safety, rather than presenting scientific evidence. Had he spent the book reassuring parents that vaccines are safe, and addressing legitimate concerns (like who specifically shouldn't receive vaccines, and how to deal with real adverse reactions), then there would be no need for his alternative schedule.
Even worse than his alternative schedule is his selective vaccine schedule, in which he recommends delaying the Hepatitis B vaccine until 12 years. He explains that Hep B is a "sexually transmitted disease" and so children don't need to be vaccinated. I hear this from parents as well. They say that their kid doesn't need the vaccine because he's not going to be promiscuous or use IV drugs. What they don't seem to realize is that Hep B can be transmitted through casual contact, and most carriers are asymptomatic. That means that your kid could be bitten on the playground or share a toothbrush at a sleepover with another kid who has Hep B and contract the virus, without even knowing it. Hep B is also way more likely to become a chronic infection (leading to liver disease and cancer) in children under 10. So please, if you are going to ignore Dr. Bob on just one point, make it this one.
My main beef with the book is his obsession with aluminum adjuvants. He presents his case by citing studies about aluminum toxicity from IV nutrition in premature babies and patients with kidney problems. It boggles my mind that he would even use this completely unrelated issue to make his case against using aluminum salts in vaccines (which are not administered intravenously, but intramuscularly, which is a distinction that he fails to make). He clearly didn't look very hard for information specifically about vaccines. If he had bothered to even do a Google Scholar search, he would have come across this article, which addresses concerns about additives in vaccines.
I was also very disappointed to see him cite Andrew Wakefield's retracted 1998 paper on MMR and autism. If I recall correctly, this book was published in 2007, and by that time Wakefield's research was already discredited (in fact, the GMC hearing, which would find him guilty of fraud, had begun), and other studies had been conducted which showed no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. It's really a shame that Dr. Bob chose to continue to propagate this myth.
My third complaint is with his alternate vaccine schedule, which he justifies mostly by reiterating his unsubstantiated concerns about aluminum. This is one issue that I go back and forth on. On the one hand, I like to see babies being protected from diseases. If parents are so worried about the potential risks of vaccines, it's better to see them vaccinate on a delayed schedule than not vaccinate at all. On the other hand, Dr. Bob spends his whole book confirming unfounded worries about vaccine safety, rather than presenting scientific evidence. Had he spent the book reassuring parents that vaccines are safe, and addressing legitimate concerns (like who specifically shouldn't receive vaccines, and how to deal with real adverse reactions), then there would be no need for his alternative schedule.
Even worse than his alternative schedule is his selective vaccine schedule, in which he recommends delaying the Hepatitis B vaccine until 12 years. He explains that Hep B is a "sexually transmitted disease" and so children don't need to be vaccinated. I hear this from parents as well. They say that their kid doesn't need the vaccine because he's not going to be promiscuous or use IV drugs. What they don't seem to realize is that Hep B can be transmitted through casual contact, and most carriers are asymptomatic. That means that your kid could be bitten on the playground or share a toothbrush at a sleepover with another kid who has Hep B and contract the virus, without even knowing it. Hep B is also way more likely to become a chronic infection (leading to liver disease and cancer) in children under 10. So please, if you are going to ignore Dr. Bob on just one point, make it this one.
not-interested
October 24, 2025The popularity of this book is incredibly disturbing. You're not making the decision for your child but for all people including other children and pregnant mothers. An alternate schedule makes no sense and puts people at risk.
I've read reviews from both people who love the book and people who hated it and all say that Sears is giving choices and alternative vaccination schedules, etc. Vaccines only work 100% if everyone gives their children the vaccines. The fewer people who give their children vaccines, the more likely people are to get the disease, even those who have been vaccinated. Which would be worse, having your child possibly having an adverse reaction to the vaccine (treatable) or getting the horrible disease being vaccinated against (often untreatable) and being in agony or even dying? Don't people understand what the world was like before vaccines? How polio and smallpox ravaged communities? How whooping cough lasts for weeks or months and is hell on the body? I don't understand the mentality at all. I would never risk my child's life like that, and any book that doesn't make it clear how dangerous it is not to vaccinate, is not something I want to read.
I've read reviews from both people who love the book and people who hated it and all say that Sears is giving choices and alternative vaccination schedules, etc. Vaccines only work 100% if everyone gives their children the vaccines. The fewer people who give their children vaccines, the more likely people are to get the disease, even those who have been vaccinated. Which would be worse, having your child possibly having an adverse reaction to the vaccine (treatable) or getting the horrible disease being vaccinated against (often untreatable) and being in agony or even dying? Don't people understand what the world was like before vaccines? How polio and smallpox ravaged communities? How whooping cough lasts for weeks or months and is hell on the body? I don't understand the mentality at all. I would never risk my child's life like that, and any book that doesn't make it clear how dangerous it is not to vaccinate, is not something I want to read.
August 22, 2008
This book is awesome! He gives a very balanced, easy to read picture of all the aspects of each childhood vaccine and the disease it protects against. If you are on the fence about vaccinations or just concerned about the volume given at a time, this will help you make a really, truly informed decision.
One word of note: after reading each chapter (and even the whole book) I was kind of in despair for a bit, because basically there are some nasty chances either way, vaccinate or not. It definitely isn't an easy decision. I finally have a plan I feel 100% comfortable with. BUT if you have a decision you are already totally 100% comfortable with and you get overloaded with too much information, you might want to skip it. He tells you what he recommends and what he does for his kids but DOES NOT tell you what to do with your kids, just asks that you use your good judgement and be aware of the risks you are taking either way and practice good health.
One word of note: after reading each chapter (and even the whole book) I was kind of in despair for a bit, because basically there are some nasty chances either way, vaccinate or not. It definitely isn't an easy decision. I finally have a plan I feel 100% comfortable with. BUT if you have a decision you are already totally 100% comfortable with and you get overloaded with too much information, you might want to skip it. He tells you what he recommends and what he does for his kids but DOES NOT tell you what to do with your kids, just asks that you use your good judgement and be aware of the risks you are taking either way and practice good health.
September 17, 2012
This is a very non biased look at the vaccination issue. I am currently debating what to do when my baby is born since you have to know before the birth, as the first vaccination, HepB, is given AT BIRTH. The author is a doctor and he gives the pros, the cons, the facts of the condition each vaccination treats, the potential consequences on the individual as well as society if you do not vaccinate. He will state his opinion and why he feels that way, but he is not judgemental. He recognizes the individual's right to make this decision. He is in no way an extremist on either side. He also gives an alternative vaccination schedule and other options so that your baby is subjected to the least amount of mercury (as some vaccines still have minute amts) and ways for you to have your child subjected to the least amount of shots, cause we all know how fun those are! Oh, and he even discusses how different brands of vaccines are made, issuing recommendations due to that.
I highly recommend anyone who is debating this issue, or even who thinks their perspective is set, to read this. I have already decided to NOT get the Hep B and chicken pox vaccinations and will likely follow his alternative schedule. It is so refreshing to find this book after talking to and reading so many others who are so extreme on this issue. :)
I highly recommend anyone who is debating this issue, or even who thinks their perspective is set, to read this. I have already decided to NOT get the Hep B and chicken pox vaccinations and will likely follow his alternative schedule. It is so refreshing to find this book after talking to and reading so many others who are so extreme on this issue. :)
March 16, 2009
After searching and searching for the "right" book to read up on vaccinations, I finally picked this one largely due to the diverse reviews. Some people thought Dr. Sears leaned toward vaccinations and others thought he argued against. Sounded like he might just be objective to me. I certainly didn't want to read a book based on scare tactics and horror stories designed to just frighten the reader. This is a great book that gives you all the facts you need to make an informed and confident choice. He never tells you which way to go, but leaves it up to you based on all available medical information and research studies. And I LOVE that he gives you an alternative immunization schedule if you decide to go ahead with all, or only some of the vaccines out there. This is extremely helpful! In addition, he maintains a website that routinely gives updates on all new info, controversies and studies related to vaccination issues. I can't reccomend this book enough and am so relieved to be able to make confident choices regarding immunizations going forward!
January 9, 2022
As an expecting first time mom living in a 2022 world, I wanted to become fairly educated in routine vaccinations—what goes into them, when they’re administered, what the risk-benefit comparisons are, etc. I’m so glad I picked up this book from Dr. Bob. Though it was revised in 2011, I believe the info is still up to date (as far as what I’ve looked up in 2021-2022). I started the book with no idea which vaccinations existed and for what diseases, what the diseases were, or how common or dangerous they were and I started with an open mind.
This book is a breath of fresh air for those like me who are intimidated by the topic of childhood vaccines. We know doctors recommend them and they are routine, but are they really the best for your child? ALL of them? Each disease and vaccine combo is discussed in separate chapters along with information about the vaccine itself—its history, ingredients, effectiveness, etc. Dr. Bob is pro-vaccination, but he doesn’t necessarily push the vaccines in his writing, which I really appreciate. Upon finishing his book, it will definitely become a valuable resource to me because I’ll reference it again when the time comes to start vaccinations. I feel a lot more confident in what I and my child will be getting into and am grateful for alternative schedules that he suggests at the end of the chapter for those who may have red flags about the established schedule. I think this is a great resource for mamas who want to be educated, but who don’t want to be flooded with too much information.
This book is a breath of fresh air for those like me who are intimidated by the topic of childhood vaccines. We know doctors recommend them and they are routine, but are they really the best for your child? ALL of them? Each disease and vaccine combo is discussed in separate chapters along with information about the vaccine itself—its history, ingredients, effectiveness, etc. Dr. Bob is pro-vaccination, but he doesn’t necessarily push the vaccines in his writing, which I really appreciate. Upon finishing his book, it will definitely become a valuable resource to me because I’ll reference it again when the time comes to start vaccinations. I feel a lot more confident in what I and my child will be getting into and am grateful for alternative schedules that he suggests at the end of the chapter for those who may have red flags about the established schedule. I think this is a great resource for mamas who want to be educated, but who don’t want to be flooded with too much information.
October 2, 2008
I thought the layout of this book was easy to read. Dr. Sears explains the risks and prevalence of each disease as well as the risks of each vaccination. Although I was already familiar with ingredients in vaccines I still found that section fascinating and disgusting. I am also amazed at the process of creating vaccines. Ultimately this book helped me decide to cross a few vaccines off my list, while keeping most. Some of the diseases were not as scary as I had imagined. Also, it helped me determine my own alternative vaccination schedule. Some people may disagree with that idea believing that the reason the AAP recommends vaccines on a certain schedule is because it has been well-researched, but I'm really not convinced it's not a little more random than that. Worth the time if you're concerned about vaccines.
July 30, 2017
Now that I've been practicing in Oregon for a couple years, I read this book to learn what my patients are talking about when they say they read something that makes them afraid of vaccines. This book is easy to read and would definitely leave the layperson feeling uneasy. I am not sold on his obsession with the aluminum content in vaccines, which is low compared to various food and cosmetic products we use. The author says he is pro-vaccine, but his presentation in this book does not come that way. He stokes the fear of vaccines by highlighting ingredients and downplays the diseases, at one point referring to meningococcus as uncommon because he has only seen it once (I've seen it over 20 times in 7 years), and referring to HiB and pneumococcus as usually not serious. Sears has a vested interest in selling his book and his alternate schedule, so I perceive him as intellectually dishonest.
December 9, 2008
I really love this book as a reference point for making decisions about your child's vaccinations. It seems like so much of the stuff out there is completely anti-vaccine, or completely pro-vaccine (i.e. accept everything your doctor tells you without question). I love being educated about my child's health and my options in caring for her.
This book is very comprehensive and well organized. It goes through each of the recommended vaccinations: the disease it's immunizing against, it's ingredients/how it's made and the side-effects. Dr. Sears is very informative and offers his opinion without being overbearing. He takes into account all different perspectives on the issue. I was able to easily format a vaccination schedule for my daughter that I feel comfortable with.
It was hard to find a copy to check out from the library, so it just bought it and I'm glad I did. I definitely recommend this one!
This book is very comprehensive and well organized. It goes through each of the recommended vaccinations: the disease it's immunizing against, it's ingredients/how it's made and the side-effects. Dr. Sears is very informative and offers his opinion without being overbearing. He takes into account all different perspectives on the issue. I was able to easily format a vaccination schedule for my daughter that I feel comfortable with.
It was hard to find a copy to check out from the library, so it just bought it and I'm glad I did. I definitely recommend this one!
January 18, 2009
Gives the skinny on the vaccine controversy from a Pediatrician's perspective. Best info out there that's not from wacko-land. Respected by doctors and granolas alike. I wish Dr. Sears would share his own feelings a bit more, but he leaves you with enough data to make a good decision.
January 22, 2012
This book was originally recommended to me by a trusted friend who works in the medical field. After reading it for the second time, I believe it is an important book for parents wanting to know more about vaccinations. (If you get the book, try to get the revised and updated version published in October 2011. There have been new vaccines added since the original publishing date in 2007 and new research.)
Dr. Sears does a great job of laying out all the facts and then gives un-biased arguments of why some may choose not to get the vaccination and why some do. The first sentence in the Preface is "I am a pro-vaccine doctor. I am also a pro-information doctor."
The book is very well-organized, very comprehensive, and very informative.
Dr. Sears explains what each disease is: how you are exposed, what the symptoms are, what a mild, moderate or severe case may be, possible long-lasting effects, whether the disease is common, whether it is serious, and whether it is treatable.
Then, he explains in detail how the vaccine is made, lists the ingredients (from the actual product insert) of each available brand of the vaccine, gives information on available combination shots, then talks about some of the potentially controversial ingredients in each brand.
Then, he gives "Reasons To Get the Vaccine" and "Reasons Some People Choose Not To Get the Vaccine", and then has a couple paragraphs on "The Way I See It".
At the end of the book he has several chapters addressing concerns over the chemicals used to make the vaccines, animal and human tissues used while manufacturing vaccines, the controversy concerning vaccines and autism, vaccine safety research, and vaccine side effects.
He talks about how he has given his patients with concerns about vaccinations an alternative vaccine schedule and explains the reasons for this.
I am a firm believer that the more parents are informed the better decisions they can make for their children. Even if it's COMPLETELY OVERWHELMING at times! Whether you choose to get all the vaccinations, some of the vaccinations, or none at all, at least you will do so with all the facts available.
Dr. Sears does a great job of laying out all the facts and then gives un-biased arguments of why some may choose not to get the vaccination and why some do. The first sentence in the Preface is "I am a pro-vaccine doctor. I am also a pro-information doctor."
The book is very well-organized, very comprehensive, and very informative.
Dr. Sears explains what each disease is: how you are exposed, what the symptoms are, what a mild, moderate or severe case may be, possible long-lasting effects, whether the disease is common, whether it is serious, and whether it is treatable.
Then, he explains in detail how the vaccine is made, lists the ingredients (from the actual product insert) of each available brand of the vaccine, gives information on available combination shots, then talks about some of the potentially controversial ingredients in each brand.
Then, he gives "Reasons To Get the Vaccine" and "Reasons Some People Choose Not To Get the Vaccine", and then has a couple paragraphs on "The Way I See It".
At the end of the book he has several chapters addressing concerns over the chemicals used to make the vaccines, animal and human tissues used while manufacturing vaccines, the controversy concerning vaccines and autism, vaccine safety research, and vaccine side effects.
He talks about how he has given his patients with concerns about vaccinations an alternative vaccine schedule and explains the reasons for this.
I am a firm believer that the more parents are informed the better decisions they can make for their children. Even if it's COMPLETELY OVERWHELMING at times! Whether you choose to get all the vaccinations, some of the vaccinations, or none at all, at least you will do so with all the facts available.
April 18, 2015
I read this because it seems my peer group is all about Dr. Sears, so I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. First of all, this is not the Dr. Sears famous for writing about attachment parenting. I learned that there are actually several Dr. Sears that write books. Secondly, this guy is a board certified pediatrician. He is not specially trained above and beyond any other pediatrician in public health and does not conduct research. He has zero credentials that make him more worthy of any other pediatrician.
The book discusses each disease process and the vaccines that are used to prevent them. It is well designed and easy to read without fancy language.
On to the content. Dr. Sears spends much of the book stating that there is not enough research to support the current vaccine schedule. His complaints are that there have not been double blind studies with control groups and that the research does not support the various additives or stacked dosing. He leads up to suggesting an alternative schedule, which, ironically, is not supported by research. We should just trust him. Following his schedule would also require many more pediatrician visits, which he admits at one point is a financial conflict of interest. He largely glosses over things like herd immunity, availability/cost of vaccines, and issues with payers. He references, and therefore gives credibility to, research that has been debunked. He discredits research done concerning aluminum intake, saying that comparing oral intake to an IM injection is apples to oranges, but then uses research about aluminum in tpn in people with impaired renal function to support his opinion. Definitely not apples to apples there, either.
Overall, this is not a good reference book. Go to a board certified pediatrician that knows you and your community. I would not recommend this as a resource for vaccine guidance.
The book discusses each disease process and the vaccines that are used to prevent them. It is well designed and easy to read without fancy language.
On to the content. Dr. Sears spends much of the book stating that there is not enough research to support the current vaccine schedule. His complaints are that there have not been double blind studies with control groups and that the research does not support the various additives or stacked dosing. He leads up to suggesting an alternative schedule, which, ironically, is not supported by research. We should just trust him. Following his schedule would also require many more pediatrician visits, which he admits at one point is a financial conflict of interest. He largely glosses over things like herd immunity, availability/cost of vaccines, and issues with payers. He references, and therefore gives credibility to, research that has been debunked. He discredits research done concerning aluminum intake, saying that comparing oral intake to an IM injection is apples to oranges, but then uses research about aluminum in tpn in people with impaired renal function to support his opinion. Definitely not apples to apples there, either.
Overall, this is not a good reference book. Go to a board certified pediatrician that knows you and your community. I would not recommend this as a resource for vaccine guidance.
December 30, 2022
This book is really helpful for parents who just want more information on what’s in each childhood vaccine, the disease it covers, the side effects and risk, and both sides of why parents choose or don’t choose it for their child. With so much controversy over vaccines this book was definitely helpful as a future clinician to have a better understanding of concerns and the need for more research around vaccines to give parents better confidence on safety and efficacy. Took a bunch of notes from this and will definitely keep looking for updates as research and new interventions come forth.
This is a good book to read alongside critiques of it and critiques of the alternative schedules presented at the end.
This is a good book to read alongside critiques of it and critiques of the alternative schedules presented at the end.
January 10, 2009
This book was so great. I feel like I am much more informed about the vaccine issue. I'd heard some bad things about vaccines in the media and from friends, but wasn't sure what I wanted to do.
So I sheepishly told my doctor that I was doing vaccines with our daughter, but that I only wanted one shot at each visit. I really didn't have any basis for this, it just seemed like one shot was more than enough.
Going in I was pretty moderate when it came to vaccines. I knew that they serve a purpose and protect us from some serious diseases. So I already knew I wasn't "anti-vaccine".
I think this book did a very good job of presenting all the facts surrounding vaccines from how they are made, to what is in them, the diseases they protect us against, and the possible side effects. It does so in a straight forward and easy to read manner.
I am in a much better position to take in a vaccine schedule I feel comfortable with to my doctor with dates and even specific brands.
I found the alternative vaccination schedule at the end of the book especially helpful.
Any parent that has heard stuff about the vaccine debate, but isn't sure what to do should read this book.
So I sheepishly told my doctor that I was doing vaccines with our daughter, but that I only wanted one shot at each visit. I really didn't have any basis for this, it just seemed like one shot was more than enough.
Going in I was pretty moderate when it came to vaccines. I knew that they serve a purpose and protect us from some serious diseases. So I already knew I wasn't "anti-vaccine".
I think this book did a very good job of presenting all the facts surrounding vaccines from how they are made, to what is in them, the diseases they protect us against, and the possible side effects. It does so in a straight forward and easy to read manner.
I am in a much better position to take in a vaccine schedule I feel comfortable with to my doctor with dates and even specific brands.
I found the alternative vaccination schedule at the end of the book especially helpful.
Any parent that has heard stuff about the vaccine debate, but isn't sure what to do should read this book.
Read
September 24, 2025So helpful! Love that it’s just the facts and not bias either way. Really puts the ball in the parents court and lets them make an educated decision based on what’s best for their family.
September 20, 2025
So super informative and well researched. A great resource to have.
December 22, 2022
There’s a lot of information packed in this one. But Dr. Sears does a wonderful job breaking it down, explaining terminology, teaching the reader about every aspect of a vaccine. He covers the vaccine schedule, what each disease is, how it affects a patient ranging from mild, moderate to severe reactions, how the vaccine is made, its ingredients, side-effects, etc. It is an extremely thorough book but very accessible to regular old moms like me who pick up the book with ZERO prior knowledge on the topic.
Everyone comes to this discussion with bisases, including Sears. He comes with the personal experience he has had with his own patients, but I can honestly say he does a great job attempting to present the information in a way that allows readers to walk away with different conclusions from another reader.
Everyone comes to this discussion with bisases, including Sears. He comes with the personal experience he has had with his own patients, but I can honestly say he does a great job attempting to present the information in a way that allows readers to walk away with different conclusions from another reader.
May 31, 2024
This book is phenomenal!!! Highly recommend for parents who want clear information for both the pros and cons of giving certain vaccines to their kids. It’s so important to make your own decision and this book equips you with everything you need to know to do so.
June 29, 2018
Good book. Gives in depth details about vaccines and what they are composed of. The risks as well as the benifiets.
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November 11, 2025didn’t read every page of this, but it was still incredibly useful knowledge and will be good to have on hand for the future. definitely recommend if you don’t want to follow the current cdc guideline for vaccines. he goes through the risks of getting the vaccine vs risks of the disease, breaks down which ones are for herd immunity, and gives you insight about the research of vaccine injuries.
one of the things he’s most passionate about is choosing aluminum-free and mercury-free vaccine options if you choose to vaccine, and to not get more than one shot at a time.
i read the most updated version that has covid-19 included, but there is still some data that was a little outdated for today in 2025.
one of the things he’s most passionate about is choosing aluminum-free and mercury-free vaccine options if you choose to vaccine, and to not get more than one shot at a time.
i read the most updated version that has covid-19 included, but there is still some data that was a little outdated for today in 2025.
February 2, 2013
Had to read through this one really quickly given some limited time to make choices for our little one. I liked how it was divided up into the major vaccines, gave statistics on currently known risks for each infection as well as side-effects seen in the vaccines. The book even dealt with some of the common worries about vaccine components.
I will say that eventually the book came down to Dr. Sears' opinions of what he felt was important and not important. That was the least helpful part of the book. In particular was a hyper-focus on injected aluminum, when it might have been nicer to have more discussion on other virus components or recently found contamination by other viruses/bacteria in some of the vaccines recently pulled from the market.
However, even with my reservations above, the quick informative nature of the book (prevalence and severity of various diseases) and alternative methods for vaccinations (that limit injected aluminum, or limit total stress on immune-system) help to bridge the gap between those who have complete assurance in current vaccine formulation and those who would never vaccinate their children due to un-necessary fear.
Ultimately I feel this book will lead to more vaccinations for those parents who have unease about the current vaccine schedules. It does not however discuss the more finer points that are often discussed re: MMR and other issues (aborted human fetal cell lines etc.)
For a quick read when under short time pressures, as well as a generalized overview that can get you started digging through more technical publications, this is a great start. I'm glad we got the book and glad I spent some time with it.
I will say that eventually the book came down to Dr. Sears' opinions of what he felt was important and not important. That was the least helpful part of the book. In particular was a hyper-focus on injected aluminum, when it might have been nicer to have more discussion on other virus components or recently found contamination by other viruses/bacteria in some of the vaccines recently pulled from the market.
However, even with my reservations above, the quick informative nature of the book (prevalence and severity of various diseases) and alternative methods for vaccinations (that limit injected aluminum, or limit total stress on immune-system) help to bridge the gap between those who have complete assurance in current vaccine formulation and those who would never vaccinate their children due to un-necessary fear.
Ultimately I feel this book will lead to more vaccinations for those parents who have unease about the current vaccine schedules. It does not however discuss the more finer points that are often discussed re: MMR and other issues (aborted human fetal cell lines etc.)
For a quick read when under short time pressures, as well as a generalized overview that can get you started digging through more technical publications, this is a great start. I'm glad we got the book and glad I spent some time with it.
October 10, 2011
What are the facts about vaccines? What are the risks vs. the benefits? Do you follow the standard schedule, or do you have options?
Our birth class teacher loaned us Dr. Robert Sears' The Vaccine Book, and I devoured it. The balanced information presented pros, cons and plain-language facts and commentary about vaccines for children. My wife and I are using this info to drive our decisions to how we want our child vaccinated.
What I especially like about this book: Sears makes clear what he is and is not going to do in the book. He doesn't discuss mercury in depth, because mercury has been removed except for negligible trace amounts. He isn't writing an anti-vaccine book, because the market is flooded with anti-vaccine info. And he isn't going to tell you what to do.
What he does do is present a balanced case that any layperson can follow, and feel prepared and educated to make decisions for their their family. He also lists standard vaccine schedules and alternate vaccine schedules.
I highly recommend this book for any parent or parent-to-be trying to cut through fear-based info, conspiracy theories, confusing medical info, and tangles of opinions. The Vaccine Book is a calm, helpful voice that will guide you to an educated decision.
Our birth class teacher loaned us Dr. Robert Sears' The Vaccine Book, and I devoured it. The balanced information presented pros, cons and plain-language facts and commentary about vaccines for children. My wife and I are using this info to drive our decisions to how we want our child vaccinated.
What I especially like about this book: Sears makes clear what he is and is not going to do in the book. He doesn't discuss mercury in depth, because mercury has been removed except for negligible trace amounts. He isn't writing an anti-vaccine book, because the market is flooded with anti-vaccine info. And he isn't going to tell you what to do.
What he does do is present a balanced case that any layperson can follow, and feel prepared and educated to make decisions for their their family. He also lists standard vaccine schedules and alternate vaccine schedules.
I highly recommend this book for any parent or parent-to-be trying to cut through fear-based info, conspiracy theories, confusing medical info, and tangles of opinions. The Vaccine Book is a calm, helpful voice that will guide you to an educated decision.
October 28, 2012
I picked this up because in our search for a pediatrician everyone (midwives, friends, acquaintances) said that a big decision point for most people was the pediatrician's opinion on vaccinations. Turned out, I didn't have an opinion on vaccinations.
After reading Dr. Sears's book, I still can't say that I have many strong opinions on the subject, but at least I know that I am well informed. He lays out the information concisely, in easily digestible sections, and gives very even keeled information about what each vaccine is for; how often the disease is found; how likely your child is to have an adverse reaction to the vaccine AND how likely an unvaccinated child would have a severe case of the disease if caught; how the vaccine is made and any controversial ingredients; why or why not people choose to vaccinate for that disease; and finally, his opinion as a long practicing doctor. Never does he preach and never does he give a firm yes or no to any vaccine.
Even if you're like me and plan to vaccinate but maybe on a slightly (very slightly) modified schedule, but otherwise don't have a strong feeling one way or another, this book is very good to inform you as a new parent. Very happy I read it.
After reading Dr. Sears's book, I still can't say that I have many strong opinions on the subject, but at least I know that I am well informed. He lays out the information concisely, in easily digestible sections, and gives very even keeled information about what each vaccine is for; how often the disease is found; how likely your child is to have an adverse reaction to the vaccine AND how likely an unvaccinated child would have a severe case of the disease if caught; how the vaccine is made and any controversial ingredients; why or why not people choose to vaccinate for that disease; and finally, his opinion as a long practicing doctor. Never does he preach and never does he give a firm yes or no to any vaccine.
Even if you're like me and plan to vaccinate but maybe on a slightly (very slightly) modified schedule, but otherwise don't have a strong feeling one way or another, this book is very good to inform you as a new parent. Very happy I read it.
January 13, 2012
This book is a great resource for parents who want to better understand the risks of disease, what modern vaccines do, how they are made, and what they are made of. Dr. Bob is not anti-vaccines; quite the opposite, in fact. However, he believes, as I do, that parents should understand what they are giving their kids, make fully-informed decisions regarding their healthcare, and have the right to develop a personalized vaccine schedule for their children rather than accept a cookie-cutter solution while still taking into account public health concerns.
Dr. Bob "translates" the product inserts for each of the childhood vaccines on the CDC's recommended schedule and then adds his own perspective as a pediatrician and father. Each chapter is very detailed while remaining very readable (unlike the actual product inserts, I'm sure!) For those not completely comfortable with the CDC schedule (for a variety of legitimate, logical reasons), he provides alternative schedules each with several variations.
Whether you plan to follow the standard schedule, are looking for an alternative schedule, or are skeptical about vaccines, I highly recommend this book.
Dr. Bob "translates" the product inserts for each of the childhood vaccines on the CDC's recommended schedule and then adds his own perspective as a pediatrician and father. Each chapter is very detailed while remaining very readable (unlike the actual product inserts, I'm sure!) For those not completely comfortable with the CDC schedule (for a variety of legitimate, logical reasons), he provides alternative schedules each with several variations.
Whether you plan to follow the standard schedule, are looking for an alternative schedule, or are skeptical about vaccines, I highly recommend this book.
June 17, 2009
I still haven't decided what vaccines Arthur should have - if any - but Dr. Sears thoughtful and well researched book certainly helped clarify a lot of the issues for me. Of all the reading I have done about vaccines (both for and against) this book comes the closest to being actually neutral information, as well as fairly complete and very understandable information.
Those of you who haven't read the ingredients and possible side-effects of vaccines can't really grasp how important that last statement is. Vaccine ingredients are often confusing, "non-active" ingredients might not be included (and these could include all manner of yucky things), and as we all know, medical language is not always the most crystaline. Dr. Sears took the time to find out these details, as well as the time to do the probability math, so anyone making this decision can get a clear view of what the decision actually entails.
If you've got to make this decision, this is the book for reference. He got the name right. It actually is THE Vaccine Book.
Those of you who haven't read the ingredients and possible side-effects of vaccines can't really grasp how important that last statement is. Vaccine ingredients are often confusing, "non-active" ingredients might not be included (and these could include all manner of yucky things), and as we all know, medical language is not always the most crystaline. Dr. Sears took the time to find out these details, as well as the time to do the probability math, so anyone making this decision can get a clear view of what the decision actually entails.
If you've got to make this decision, this is the book for reference. He got the name right. It actually is THE Vaccine Book.
June 12, 2009
I think this book is a must-read for any parent. Usually when you tell people you're reading a book because you want to know more about vaccines, they think you're some kind of nut who doesn't want to vaccinate your child. The approach of this book, however, is to inform parents so that they can make educated decisions about which vaccines to give their children, when to give them, and what the ingredients and potential side effects are of each vaccine. We had some concerns about the effects of aluminum toxicity and this book was very helpful in explaining which vaccines contain aluminum and what can be done to minimize the possibility of toxic aluminum buildup. After reading this book, we developed a vaccination schedule for our daughter that includes all of the vaccines, but spaces them in a way that minimizes potential health risks. Even if you aren't interested in altering the vaccination schedule for your child, the book includes helpful information about typical and atypical side effects that help parents know what to expect when their children are vaccinated.
December 8, 2011
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate... that is the hotly debated question. Unfortunately is is a very difficult one to make a decision about due to the absolute polarity of all information. No source even tries to be unbiased. The two camps are very much at war making any material so tainted as to be useless.
Dr Sears has set about to create, as much as possible, an unbiased look at vaccinations. He does not answer the 'should you or should you not' question. Instead he looks at each vaccination in turn and discusses its purpose, pros and cons.
Ultimately I get the impression that he is advocating that parents review the data and selectively vaccinate, though he takes great pains not to cross into either the pro or anti vaccination camps.
Although this book is written for Americans (and Australia is not nessecarily the same), I still think this is compulsory reading for anyone serious about making an informed decision for themselves.
Dr Sears has set about to create, as much as possible, an unbiased look at vaccinations. He does not answer the 'should you or should you not' question. Instead he looks at each vaccination in turn and discusses its purpose, pros and cons.
Ultimately I get the impression that he is advocating that parents review the data and selectively vaccinate, though he takes great pains not to cross into either the pro or anti vaccination camps.
Although this book is written for Americans (and Australia is not nessecarily the same), I still think this is compulsory reading for anyone serious about making an informed decision for themselves.
September 29, 2020
This book gave me anxiety about vaccines and I walked into my son's 2 month appointment feeling like I knew something special and was going to delay my kids vaccines and leave him exposed to illnesses longer. Thankfully my pediatrician dispelled these myths, explained why the schedule as tested and used was the safest way to vaccinate my child, and the untested schedules in this book were not what was best. I listened to my pediatrician, and I have no regrets. This book has some good information. But there are many better sources of good information without the opinion pieces of untested, not recommended advice that he adds needlessly.
October 24, 2009
This was not the most interesting book (how could it be?), but it was extremely helpful. Sears is pro-vaccine, but he takes a very thorough and cautious look at each of the vaccines on the recommended schedule for babies and children. I have a much better sense about what the major concerns are (my main one after reading is actually aluminum) and how the whole autism debate factors in. Sears also provides some excellent practicals for getting a child's body in the optimal condition for handling the vaccines and flushing out any toxins that accompany them.
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