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Vaccinations: A Thoughtful Parent's Guide: How to Make Safe, Sensible Decisions about the Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives
• A balanced, comprehensive guide to routine childhood vaccinations that offers parents the information they need to make the right choices for their child.
• Fairly examines the pros and cons of this highly charged issue.
Deciding whether or when to vaccinate a child is one of the most important--and most difficult--health-care decisions a parent will ever make. The recent increase in the number of vaccinations recommended and the concurrent controversies about whether vaccinations are safe or even effective have left many parents confused and concerned.
Midwife, herbalist, and mother of four, Aviva Jill Romm sifts through the spate of current research on vaccine safety and efficacy and offers a sensible, balanced discussion of the pros and cons of each routine childhood vaccination. She presents the full spectrum of options available to full vaccination on a standardized or individualized schedule, selective vaccination, or no vaccinations at all. Negotiating daycare and school requirements, dealing with other parents, and traveling with an unvaccinated child are covered in detail. The book also suggests ways to strengthen children's immune systems and maintain optimal health and offers herbal and homeopathic remedies for childhood ailments. Emphasizing that no single approach is appropriate for every child, the author guides parents as they make the choices that are right for their child.
• Fairly examines the pros and cons of this highly charged issue.
Deciding whether or when to vaccinate a child is one of the most important--and most difficult--health-care decisions a parent will ever make. The recent increase in the number of vaccinations recommended and the concurrent controversies about whether vaccinations are safe or even effective have left many parents confused and concerned.
Midwife, herbalist, and mother of four, Aviva Jill Romm sifts through the spate of current research on vaccine safety and efficacy and offers a sensible, balanced discussion of the pros and cons of each routine childhood vaccination. She presents the full spectrum of options available to full vaccination on a standardized or individualized schedule, selective vaccination, or no vaccinations at all. Negotiating daycare and school requirements, dealing with other parents, and traveling with an unvaccinated child are covered in detail. The book also suggests ways to strengthen children's immune systems and maintain optimal health and offers herbal and homeopathic remedies for childhood ailments. Emphasizing that no single approach is appropriate for every child, the author guides parents as they make the choices that are right for their child.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 20, 2013
As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, my book on vaccination would be just one sentence long: "The recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices already represent safe and sensible decisions for all populations."
Whether or when to vaccinate is not a confusing issue for those who follow the medical literature. The medical literature has already evaluated the issue of whether alternative vaccination schedules are better or worse than the standard vaccination schedules, and concluded that the standard vaccination schedules are safer. I just searched pubmed and found 162 papers on the topic, and probably there are others using slightly different keywords. Just read the medical literature, or at least the abstracts. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?t...
Whether or when to vaccinate is not a confusing issue for those who follow the medical literature. The medical literature has already evaluated the issue of whether alternative vaccination schedules are better or worse than the standard vaccination schedules, and concluded that the standard vaccination schedules are safer. I just searched pubmed and found 162 papers on the topic, and probably there are others using slightly different keywords. Just read the medical literature, or at least the abstracts. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?t...
January 8, 2009
This is the best book I’ve read on the subject so far. I only wish it wasn’t so old. (All the books I read were published around the same time, 8 or 9 years ago. Which is a long time in the super-fast paced world of medicine and technology.)
It’s the best, in my opinion, because I really think she discloses ALL the information. I mean, you read her description of the diseases and you think, “Boy! I want to get the vaccine for THAT one, definitely!”
And then you read her description of the vaccines, with their risks, effectiveness rates, and moral/political controversies involved, and you think, “No way would I want to get THAT vaccine!”
So yes, maybe it leaves you a little confused, but that’s only because it IS a confusing subject. Any book or article that doesn’t leave you concerned about the risks on both sides of the issues is NOT giving the full story.
I really think 2 different people could come away from this book with two totally different decisions about vaccines. And that’s why I think it’s such a great book, because it doesn’t tell you what to do. It doesn’t twist truths to try to convince you one way or the other. The author tells it all, gives sensible, very general recommendations, and urges you to consider all the factors, including factors that are completely individual to each family and child. She is clear that there is no one right answer for everybody.
I also loved the end chapters, where she goes over general health and immune boosting tips, and includes things to do naturally to help with specific illnesses.
It’s the best, in my opinion, because I really think she discloses ALL the information. I mean, you read her description of the diseases and you think, “Boy! I want to get the vaccine for THAT one, definitely!”
And then you read her description of the vaccines, with their risks, effectiveness rates, and moral/political controversies involved, and you think, “No way would I want to get THAT vaccine!”
So yes, maybe it leaves you a little confused, but that’s only because it IS a confusing subject. Any book or article that doesn’t leave you concerned about the risks on both sides of the issues is NOT giving the full story.
I really think 2 different people could come away from this book with two totally different decisions about vaccines. And that’s why I think it’s such a great book, because it doesn’t tell you what to do. It doesn’t twist truths to try to convince you one way or the other. The author tells it all, gives sensible, very general recommendations, and urges you to consider all the factors, including factors that are completely individual to each family and child. She is clear that there is no one right answer for everybody.
I also loved the end chapters, where she goes over general health and immune boosting tips, and includes things to do naturally to help with specific illnesses.
January 7, 2015
As a previous reviewer also commented, I think that two different people could read this and come away with two different decisions on whether or not to vaccinate. She deals with vaccine efficacy, as well as the controversy surrounding the timing of a reduction in disease occurence before the advent of vaccines. The book does a very good job of laying out the risks and benefits to each vaccine, as well as presenting information on how to naturally support your child's immune system when receiving vaccinations or if ill with a childhood disease.
I highly recommend reading this in conjunction with Dr Sears' "The Vaccine Book," as he lists the specific components within the vaccines (aluminum, formaldehyde, chick embryo, etc), and just plain lays things out a little more clinically. I think that readimg both books will ive you an excellent basis from which to make informed decisions.
Also, I would like to point out that while an "MD" does not follow her name on the cover of this book, a later book of hers (Naturally Healthy Children and Babies) does confer this title, and the bio on the back cover states that she is a physician who used to be a midwife and herbalist. So, while this particular book was not written at a time that she held the MD credential, she does now carry it. Just thought I would throw that out there for those naysayers who need credentials to find something believable. She also includes 28 pages of notes at the end of the book that show her references and citations for each chapter.
I highly recommend reading this in conjunction with Dr Sears' "The Vaccine Book," as he lists the specific components within the vaccines (aluminum, formaldehyde, chick embryo, etc), and just plain lays things out a little more clinically. I think that readimg both books will ive you an excellent basis from which to make informed decisions.
Also, I would like to point out that while an "MD" does not follow her name on the cover of this book, a later book of hers (Naturally Healthy Children and Babies) does confer this title, and the bio on the back cover states that she is a physician who used to be a midwife and herbalist. So, while this particular book was not written at a time that she held the MD credential, she does now carry it. Just thought I would throw that out there for those naysayers who need credentials to find something believable. She also includes 28 pages of notes at the end of the book that show her references and citations for each chapter.
September 24, 2024
I think this book did a good job with keeping it balanced between the risks and benefits of vaccines. It is an old book now, so a few sections were very clearly outdated and therefore unhelpful/obsolete. The herbal section was interesting and will be a good reference no matter what you decided on vaccines, because everybody gets sick! I would read an updated version of this for sure!!
January 18, 2009
This book is really in need of updating, but I still think it is the most thorough,non-biased book on the subject. If you are looking for information that you can use to make your own decisions, then this is the book. It tells the history of the disease and the history of the vaccine.
January 4, 2018
A thorough read on vaccinations, weighing in on both sides... Written by an herbalist/midwife that later became a Yale-trained MD. Dr. Aviva Romm has always been a critical thinker when it comes to health and wellness.
December 6, 2021
Very thorough and thought-provoking as the title outlines. The major thing that stands out for me is her word (paraphrased) if you choose not to vaccinate your kids you cannot just assume they will not get sick, but be an alert participant when they do.
August 2, 2018
Kind of hard to read because so overwhelming of all the things a parent should know. However very helpful reference and awesome unbiased information
March 13, 2022
I think this is a very helpful book, particularly the first half of the book. Written by a Yale trained MD and midwife, Dr. Romm presents a very fair and balanced guide to understanding the current vaccine schedule. I can’t say definitively whether or not Dr. Romm is pro or anti vaccine because she really doesn’t insert her opinion or push an agenda - she states facts and gives data. I don’t recommend this book in audio form, I think it’s nice to have a physical copy to be able to highlight and refer back to several studies presented and I’m glad I took the extra time to leaf through the physical pages. The second half of the book lost me. Dr. Romm guides the reader through treating common childhood illnesses with a more natural, herbal approach. Unfortunately, I lack access to an enchanted garden where I can pick fresh schisandra, perilla, notopterygii, and cnidium plants (roots? seeds? Not sure) so I’m probably going to stick with Tylenol when my kids get a fever for the time being. That aside, great book.
December 9, 2025
Must read for any parent or person interested in Vaccines
This book is so informative and non-biased, not judgmental, or one sided and very honest. Aviva lays out all of the facts and information for parents or anyone to make a fully informed decision. Such a great read and so interesting! At the end of the book there are plenty of herbal remedies and recipes as well as some homeopathy which is nice to have access to because I can always refer back to it when needed. This book was published in 2001 so it’s good to keep that in mind when reading but nonetheless it’s a must read if you want to learn more about vaccines and the childhood diseases they are for. Loved this book!!
This book is so informative and non-biased, not judgmental, or one sided and very honest. Aviva lays out all of the facts and information for parents or anyone to make a fully informed decision. Such a great read and so interesting! At the end of the book there are plenty of herbal remedies and recipes as well as some homeopathy which is nice to have access to because I can always refer back to it when needed. This book was published in 2001 so it’s good to keep that in mind when reading but nonetheless it’s a must read if you want to learn more about vaccines and the childhood diseases they are for. Loved this book!!
May 23, 2021
A thought-provoking book with lots of good information. A little hard to follow the scientific explanations though.
January 24, 2025
It was very informative but I don’t feel like it captured both sides like it seemed it would.
October 22, 2016
This seems to be one of the only truly balanced, painstakingly thorough, and fully notated references on vaccines for parents. I keep two copies in my home, one for my own reference and one for loaning to others.
Just as with any other medical decision I need to make for myself or a family member, I research the options to make an informed decision. Generally we don't leave it up to the doctor to give us the one size fits all solution and/or "do what's best"; rather, we choose practitioners who are in alignment with our own healthcare philosophy and are open to discussion of all choices. I ask challenging questions and I don't make it easy for healthcare providers to push me blindly into the default choice.
Unfortunately, it seems that many well-intentioned practitioners (particularly in publicly funded epidemiology/vaccination clinics) don't believe that patients should be allowed to make their own choices and even become enraged when a patient wants to make their own choice. The medical industry can be quite infantilizing, a necessity of the lack of time allotted to a given patient. The opposing positions in the vaccine debate are often highly oversimplified, putting parents in a difficult position.
This book can be a useful reference to study and then bring into the pediatrician's office to engage in an informed discussion of the pros and cons, risks and efficacies of particular vaccines vis-à-vis your family's particular circumstances and/or lifestyle choices.
This book treats the reader like an intelligent consumer in a highly charged and controversial marketplace.
Just as with any other medical decision I need to make for myself or a family member, I research the options to make an informed decision. Generally we don't leave it up to the doctor to give us the one size fits all solution and/or "do what's best"; rather, we choose practitioners who are in alignment with our own healthcare philosophy and are open to discussion of all choices. I ask challenging questions and I don't make it easy for healthcare providers to push me blindly into the default choice.
Unfortunately, it seems that many well-intentioned practitioners (particularly in publicly funded epidemiology/vaccination clinics) don't believe that patients should be allowed to make their own choices and even become enraged when a patient wants to make their own choice. The medical industry can be quite infantilizing, a necessity of the lack of time allotted to a given patient. The opposing positions in the vaccine debate are often highly oversimplified, putting parents in a difficult position.
This book can be a useful reference to study and then bring into the pediatrician's office to engage in an informed discussion of the pros and cons, risks and efficacies of particular vaccines vis-à-vis your family's particular circumstances and/or lifestyle choices.
This book treats the reader like an intelligent consumer in a highly charged and controversial marketplace.
April 19, 2008
Much deeper information about vaccinations and surprisingly very unbiased and very research-based. The main downside to this book is that it was published several years ago, and doesn't include some of the newest vaccines. On the positive side, it spends several chapters discussing the history of disease, the efficacy of vaccinations, and alternative ways of keeping your children healthy throughout childhood. Parts of it were too in depth for me, and had little relevance, but may be interesting to some. TONS of info, but needs to be updated.
August 7, 2008
Needs to be updated, but probably one of the best books on vaccinations in that it, in some detail, describes VPDs, their treatability, etc... essential information for anyone who chooses to skip any or all vaccinations or just wants to make an informed decision about vaccination on the merits of each vaccine. Please do realize, though, that new vaccines are on the market that are not discussed in the book and that mercury has been removed from most vaccines as well as that there is new information out about aluminum in vaccines.
June 24, 2009
This is a great book for any parent to read to make an informed decision about vaccinations. It is surprisingly written in an unbiased way. She lays out everything - from the history of vaccines, to what is actually in each vaccination, to the risks/benefits, and options for you to make your own personal choices, including natural approaches to health and immunity. This is definitely an area parents need to be informed about and not just go along with the vaccine schedule because that's the medical model that is in place. Make your own informed decision!
February 12, 2014
This book helped me to clarify my stance on this tough subject. Whatever you choose for your family, Aviva Romm's book can help you feel informed about the possible outcomes of your decision. Romm discusses the risks of both the vaccines and the diseases, and makes suggestions for how to reduce the likelihood of adverse reactions from both. The information in this book is an invaluable resource for any parent. I do hope she releases a newer edition with more recent research included. That would make it a 5 star book.
November 3, 2007
This book is fairly well-balanced and provides a lot of background information on the history of vaccinations, how vaccinations work, and the risks/benefits of vaccinating your child. I did feel that even though Romm tries to provide both sides, she obviously leans towards not vaccinating. This is such a difficult issue and one that I mulled over for a long time. Ultimately we've taken a middle road and have selectively vaccinated our son.
November 8, 2009
I found this book very helpful when I was researching vaccinations. It's definitely an anti-vaccine book, so know that going in. The author lays out each disease and its risks/treatments, and each corresponding vaccination with its risks and/or ethical issues. It really helped me to see which diseases are a more dangerous and really weigh the pros/cons of the disease vs. the vaccine. She also talks about natural remedies to combat some of the diseases.
March 26, 2025
VERY interesting and well researched book on topic. Highly recommend.
September 14, 2008
Romm give well-researched perspective on the risks and benefits of both the vaccines and childhood illnesses - as well as some homeopathic & herbal treatments for both the illnesses and the vaccines. This is a great resource for parents who want to make decisions based on their individual children rather than blindly trust the CDC immunization schedule.
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April 16, 2008The pros and cons of giving vaccinations - from a historical perspective. This book is great because it includes information for both sides of the issue of using vaccines as well as vaccine specific information. It is very fair analysis. It also gives a lot of nutritional/homeopathic recommendations for boosting your child's natural immunity.
August 4, 2009
The author gives a very detailed report on each routine vaccine and the disease it is preventing. Sometimes it's information overload, but it would probably serve as a decent resource book. Toward the end she offers a bunch of natural remedies for different symptoms. She obviously comes from a more natural perspective, but it wasn't quite as biased as I was expecting.
July 4, 2011
Excellent book, one of the best on the subject. Provides information about disesases, vaccines, pros and cons, and lets you make up your OWN mind. A must-read for those who want to make an informed decision.
October 15, 2011
This is a great book if you have questions about vaccinations. It's a personal choice and I thought this book was very good at giving you boths sides of the debate. I felt very informed when I was done reading the book. I would recommend this book to any parent!!
August 11, 2007
The absolute best, unbiased, most comprehensive and scientifically based book out there discussing a controversial medical topic.
September 1, 2007
Excellent resource on the important vaccination question. Has a wonderful section in the back on homeopathic treatments for childhood ailments.
January 28, 2008
This is an excellent resource for a new parent. It really helps you make a smart, knowledgeable decision for your child.
Currently reading
February 5, 2008this stuff isn't talked about enough...reasonably
May 23, 2008
Well-researched. Doesn't just "follow the party line" ... really discusses the risks and benefits. options, etc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews