This is an unfortunate attempt to exploit the panic and fear regarding childhood vaccinations. The author has done no scientific studies himself and selectively references studies that are poorly done or taken out of context. He also suggests complicated vaccination schedules that have not been researched to demonstrate their efficacy or lack thereof. I suggest every physician who is struggling with parents refusing to protect their children by vaccination read this book (get a used copy) in order to counter Dr. Sears arguments. The CDC and AAP have much better information on their websites regarding vaccines, and I refer parents to those sites for information as well as handing out a comprehensive information booklet to them. This is yet another economic exploitation of the Lunatic Fringe.

This is a great book because it is neither for vaccines nor against them-it just presents as much information as possible and leads the reader to his or her own conclusion. Now I feel a bit educated on the issue when my son's pediatrician presents his "convincing" side of the story (pro- all vaccines).

The most helpful parts of the book are Dr. Sear's Selective & Alternative vaccine schedules. This informs parents of their options besides (1) getting all vaccines on the AAP's schedule, or (2) declining all vaccines.

This book compiles information that is a good beginning when trying to learn about vaccinations and whether or not they're right for you and your child. Not the difinitive guide though.

I must preface this review with the disclosure that I am personally in agreement with much of the information and views presented in the Sears' parenting library. I have been reading this book as I prepare to have my second child vaccinated. I will have my children vaccinated because we travel internationally to the developing world where diseases that are not common in the U.S. are still present, however, I am planning on a modified schedule due to information I am now aware of that contraindicates (in my opinion, based on my research) the CDC schedule. My first child, who is now four years old, was vaccinated using the schedule recommended by the CDC, which I have since come to be somewhat skeptical of. I appreciate the objectivity with with Dr. Sears presents information about the vaccination schedule. Perhaps more importantly I appreciate his objective assessment of the risks involved in vaccinating or not vaccinating for the different diseases. If you are also interested in knowing more about the pros and cons of the myriad vaccinations this is a good resource for your library. Based on additional research I have done on the subject Dr. Sear's book is a valuable resource for your library.

I appreciated Dr. Sears' balanced perspective toward vaccines as written in this book. It is thoroughly informative and really presents the various vaccine options clearly and concisely. The author's medical perspective does shine through, as he encourages various vaccinations for the good of the general populace, but it is clear that he is writing the book for individuals who are considering the good of their own children first, and I appreciate that.

I had already been set against vaccines before reading this book, but I carefully reconsidered each option in the reading of the book, and I feel that a person who doesn't know anything about vaccines could pick up this information and choose entirely for or against vaccines or land somewhere in the middle, just based on this book. For that reason and because it has made me feel much more confident in my own decisions, I would recommend this book to any parent or parent-to-be who is interested in getting facts, not propaganda. A lot of vaccines have changed their ingredients in the last ten years, and it is very helpful to have that updated information; mercury, for example, has been all but totally removed. For my own part, I feel that the levels of aluminum in the three shots that I considered are still way too high and not worth the risk when it comes to injecting them into an infant, but I like that someone else could read the book and come to a completely different conclusion.

I notice that of those people who rate this book poorly, the camp seems to be rather evenly divided between those who say Dr. Sears is too pro-vaccine and those who say he is too anti-vaccine. That seems to show that he has done a good job of presenting the case fairly.

It's a good read for parents who are concerned about the whole "Should I, Shouldn't I?" sitch with vaccines.

as a mom who opted out of vaccinations for her child, this book provided with me clear, UNbiased medical information about every vaccine the AAP recommends. though i chose the road less traveled, Dr. Sears does give good reasons for most vaccines, but the medical info provided did not happen to encourage me to shoot my kid up with monkey kidney cells, fetal cow serum and wayyyyyyyyyy too much aluminum. i recommend this book for all parents who care about the health and safety of their newborn.

The Vaccine book was so enlightening, in that there are so many things I realize that we just don't ask questions about... like what is being injected into my child's body?

I feel like this book isn't pushy in one direction or another, but will help my husband and I to make our own, informed decision about vaccination scheduling.

The Vaccine book was so enlightening, in that there are so many things I realize that we just don't ask questions about... like what is being injected into my child's body?

I feel like this book isn't pushy in one direction or another, but will help my husband and I to make our own, informed decision about vaccination scheduling.

I am a first time mom who had many questions about vaccines. This book was very informative and gave a lot of information about each vaccine so you can make the decision about giving it to your child. The book does not try and lead you in any direction.

This book was very informative and written in "real person" language. I felt it did a great job of explaining exactly what goes into the vaccines, and allowing me as a parent to form my own opinion in the end. I felt extremely prepared for my daughter's check up after reading this, and would highly recommend it to any parent.

Nice reference. Carefully (and cheerfully) written. With up-to-date information. Presents facts and research findings. Gives easy-to-follow suggestions. Especially like its comparisons between different brands of several vaccines.

Dr. Sears gives a very common sense, balanced view of vaccinations. He doesn't tell you what you should do for your child, just lays out the facts of each vaccine, points out any concerns, and then gives his opinion of the importance (or not) of the vaccine. The book includes an alternate vaccine schedule for those who want to vaccinate, but worry about overloading their child's immune system. As a mom of 2, this book let me go into my ped's office informed enough to ask questions and make decisions I felt good about.

Dr. Sears has done it again. This book is informative and medically factual, yet in plain English at the same time. Like most parents, I was on the fence about what to do with my child's upcoming vaccines. Each vaccine is researched, discussed, and pro's/con's for giving the vaccine are addressed. The author lets you make up your mind about how you feel about the information once it is done, with sound guidance. Better yet, he has put together an alternative vaccine schedule that you can copy and bring to your doctor. I used this as a starting point with my MD, tweaked it a little to meet my needs, and now I'm as happy as can be. I delayed the less common illness vaccines until the end, omitted a few I refuse to give, and spread the rest of them out so my daughter only gets one shot a visit, thus decreasing her load of toxic aluminum. I also started her vaccine schedule at month 3 instead of month 2, but I felt comfortable doing so because my daughter didn't go out in public until month 3. Sorry if this is too much information. I guess I'm simply saying I wouldn't have felt comfortable making these decisions had I not been properly informed by this book. It you are at all on the fence, and don't know what to do, you must read this book!

Dr. Sears gives a very common sense, balanced view of vaccinations. He doesn't tell you what you should do for your child, just lays out the facts of each vaccine, points out any concerns, and then gives his opinion of the importance (or not) of the vaccine. The book includes an alternate vaccine schedule for those who want to vaccinate, but worry about overloading their child's immune system. As a mom of 2, this book let me go into my ped's office informed enough to ask questions and make decisions I felt good about.

Dr. Sears has done it again. This book is informative and medically factual, yet in plain English at the same time. Like most parents, I was on the fence about what to do with my child's upcoming vaccines. Each vaccine is researched, discussed, and pro's/con's for giving the vaccine are addressed. The author lets you make up your mind about how you feel about the information once it is done, with sound guidance. Better yet, he has put together an alternative vaccine schedule that you can copy and bring to your doctor. I used this as a starting point with my MD, tweaked it a little to meet my needs, and now I'm as happy as can be. I delayed the less common illness vaccines until the end, omitted a few I refuse to give, and spread the rest of them out so my daughter only gets one shot a visit, thus decreasing her load of toxic aluminum. I also started her vaccine schedule at month 3 instead of month 2, but I felt comfortable doing so because my daughter didn't go out in public until month 3. Sorry if this is too much information. I guess I'm simply saying I wouldn't have felt comfortable making these decisions had I not been properly informed by this book. It you are at all on the fence, and don't know what to do, you must read this book!

I was at a standstill in making the big vaccine decision for my baby. After reading this book, I feel completely educated about the diseases and the vaccines and I feel very comfortable with the decisions that I have made.

All parents should read this book before they allow their babies to be vaccinated. It's your duty as a parent to be informed about what is being injected into your babies body. Ask questions and be involved.

FINALLY some unbiased information on vaccination!!!!
This is a MUST HAVE for every parent in order to make an educated decision on the vaccination of your children. If you are contemplating no-vaccination, delayed vaccination schedule, selective vaccination schedule or the regular full vaccination schedule, you must read this book to make your decision in good conscience with all the facts. This is a very controversial subject as many people do not want the responsibility of choice and would prefer to blindly the doctor's advise. The problem is... the doctor typically blindly follows the FDA's advise and the FDA has not fully diligently tested everything that gets injected in our little ones!

Good luck to you and your family!

So if you're like me with an autistic child, no doubt you have heard the hype. Vaccines. Are they the culprit? Some parents swear yes, some swear no. I have heard both sides and they both have very valid arguments. Both biased to their own cause. Then came my baby daughter. Do I vaccinate her or not? Diseases are coming back due to parents not vaccinating. But what about all the press? Is there a safer way to vaccinate? There is! Dr. Sears alternative schedule is clear, easy to understand and my daughter's pediatrician not only had no problem with it, but wanted to get the book for herself. It's a great reference guide too.

I'd just like to echo what other reviewers have said. This book is the real deal. I originally got a book on immunization called "Vaccines: What Ever Parent Should Know" because Dr. Sears book was sold out and checked out of every library branch in the greater Boston area. What a joke that other book was - it presented none of the concerns that Dr. Sears shares. And after a bit of research, I found that the author of that book (Dr. Paul Offit) is a vaccine inventor and on the board of advisors for Merck. You'd think in the spirit of fair disclosure it would have said that on his author's profile. But I digest... :)

Dr. Sears' book is comprehensive and very balanced. He presents parents with the pros and cons for each drug as well as his own personal recommendations. His Alternative and Selective vacination schedules are worth the price of the book alone. Just be prepared - we requested to follow his selective vaccination schedule and were told that we could stay with our pediatric group practice if we did that. Its too bad - we really liked our pediatrician in every other respect. Just starting with a new practice that is more flexible and gives us a greater degree of choice in how we care for our child.

Couldn't recommend this book more highly. I'm buying a second copy for the pediatrician we are leaving. Hopefully, she'll read it and understand our decision a bit better.

Thorough without the bias of many authors that are writing on the subject. Helpful to parents on a difficult subject.

Despite having my two older son's vaccinated per the AAP's schedule, when my newest bundle joined the flock, with all the "vaccination speculation" around I wanted to educate myself a bit more with the most unbiased and uninflamatory information I could find. I think this book is the most fair and balanced look at vaccines that I have found. Each vaccine has its own chapter where Dr. Bob talks about the risks of the disease, how common the disease is, the ingredients that make up each vaccine (and how the ingredients vary according to manufacturer), the risk of side effects with each vaccine, the risks of contracting the disease during travel... I was pleasantly suprised to see that he gave credence to concerns over some ingredients (mainly aluminum, but also human and animal tissue), while still supporting the use of (most)vaccines. He provides a couple different alternative dosing schedules (which include waiting 6 months to a year to start or spacing them out giving just two shots at a time). In some ways I wish I hadn't read the book (I had no idea what kind of creepy things were in some of those shots), but I am glad I am more educated on the matter and can make a better informed decision over what is best for my child. (And, if you are curious, this book gave me more confidence in my decision to start vaccinations at 6 months and use a slower dosing schedule.) I just was really suprised at how informative and non-judgemental this book seemed. People get so passionate about one way or the other it's hard to find a single place that can respect both sides of the argument and I feel Dr. Bob did a good job of doing just that.

This book is wonderful. Regardless of which side of the debate you are on or if you are somewhere in the middle, this book gives clear facts about each of the 12 childhood vaccines. These facts are presented in simple language so you don't need to be a doctor to understand the risks and rewards of vaccinating your children. Another wonderful book from the Sears series and one that truly speaks to the concerns of parents who must struggle with the questions of whether to vaccinate their children or not.

As a biologist, and a new mom in 2007, I had really struggled trying to get clear and dependable (and scientifically based) answers to my questions about vaccines. I wish this book was available when I was first researching the issue! The only thing I could find were either anti-vaccine books, which were slightly researched opinions at best, or just the strait AAP recommendations - no questions asked. This book finally bridged the gap. Dr. Sears really researched the issue, and this book basically summarizes all the existing research on all the questions I had. It is honest when there isn't a clear answer, and he provides well thought out alternative vaccination schedules. I've read it about 3x now, and feel I can finally make well informed choices for my family.

A fantastic book that takes all the research and facts and makes educated recommendations. If you did all of this on your own, it would take weeks to distill into anything useful. The straightforward vaccine schedule recommendations are so helpful for busy parents!

Being an information junkie, this book is like the Holy Grail of vaccine data. I love the way Dr. Sears gives both sides of the never-ending immunization debate. He illustrates the pros and cons of each vaccination, and remains relatively unbiased. He provides the reader with statistics, ingredients, methods of production, and personal experience with the vaccines.

I feel the greatest aspect of this book is the alternative vaccination schedule he provides and the reasoning behind it. It makes sense. When I first spoke to my (beloved) pediatrician about the alternative vaccination schedule laid out by Dr. Sears in the book, I expected at least some resistance. Instead I was met with a whole-hearted enthusiasm that I had read The Vaccine Book and none of the other publications available. My son's doctor stated that he feels Dr. Sears has the most valid, well-rounded argument about the possible drawbacks of vaccines but tempers it with an argument for the necessity of the immunizations.

I now have the confidence to make an informed decision for the welfare of my child. My only disappointment is that this book was not published two years prior when my daughter went through the majority of her vaccinations. Kudos to Dr. Sears!

A must have book. Easy to read through and reference over and over again. Clearly lays out all of the pros and cons of which vaccine. A very matter of fact book that simply gives you all of the information you need to make the decisions that you, as a parent, feel most comfortable about. We will be referencing this book for years.

It's sufficiently difficult to ask good questions during the rushed doctor visits so it was wonderful to have a book ask (and answer) important questions that hadn't even crossed my mind. In fact, after I had expressed some concern at the 2 month visit, my pediatrician asked for a schedule and well... duh... I thought she'd have a few alternative schedules for me to choose from... NOT. Before opening this book, I had already pulled a schedule together based upon CDC info, some Internet-based research, and our plans for the little one. Well, let's say that there was plenty of new data to add to my decision matrix and plenty of revisions resulted. Some of my conclusions based on the book's data differed from those of Dr. Bob but that is because I have different priorities from those assumed by Dr. Bob (and his assumptions are stated very clearly). Then again, the separation of fact from opinion in this book is what makes it so useful for a parent who wants to make a customized schedule. I've been through all the sections once now and certain sections multiple times (as the cross-referencing is very thorough). Dr. Bob really makes you think things through from multiple perspectives and I'm very happy not only with the changes I made but I'm also much more satisfied with many of the decisions I had made beforehand on much less information.

Well, having started to get into this subject in some depth I couldn't wait for my copy of the Vaccine Book to arrive. We had chosen this book as it is written by a doctor and it is recent (so presumably using the most recent research articles). After receiving it, I wanted to give it one star based on the information on why to vaccinate and giving vaccines after injury (tetanus and rabies) as I did not find the information to be accurate. (but then again I am being cautious and I am concerned that generalised statements on the safety of vaccines are out of place)

However, I gave it 3 stars as there is important information regarding boosting your child's immunity naturally, and he does go into calculating risks, he does cite recent and relevant studies and he does go into the details on the manufacture of and ingredients used in vaccines. I just choose to differ on the conclusions reached.

The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child, by Robert W. Sears, M.D.,m F.A.A.P, is the most comprehensive and understandable vaccine book out there. Okay, I confess, I haven't read them all if any...but I can't see how any book could beat this one!

Dr. Sears walks through EVERY vaccine our children receive in their pediatric life-time, and lists out not only each vaccine maker and label, BUT EVERY INGREDIENT. I'm not joking. This book is truly comprehensive in every sense of the term.

He talks about the vaccine side-effects, the frequency of your child actually getting those side-effects, the likelihood of getting that particular illness if your child isn't vaccinated, the dangers in getting the illness (discusses minor to fatal outcomes (if any)), treatment for those who get the disease, why some parents choose not to get the vaccine. and what to consider when traveling. Yeah, as I said, COMPREHENSIVE! There are five chapters at the end of the book that discuss the following topics: "Combination Vaccines, Vaccines for Travel, and Vaccines for Other Special Situations", "Vaccine Safety Research", "Vaccine Side Effects", "Vaccine Ingredients [which talks about why it's in the vaccine and the risks involved with some ingredients]", and "Myths and Questions about Vaccines". Do I need to say it again? Okay, I will...C-O-M-P-R-E-H-E-N-S-I-V-E!!

Ultimately, Dr. Sears leaves you, the reader, with the choice of whether or not to get a certain vaccine--this is a nice change from regular pediatricians who leave you feeling without a choice; however, he does not leave you high and dry in making that choice. Every chapter that discusses a vaccine ends with a section called, "The Way I See It". I found this section to be VERY HELPFUL. It's nice to have a doctor's opinion, whether or not I agree with it--although, I did find myself agreeing with him in nearly every circumstance (I'm a theologian, not a vaccine specialist or a pediatric doctor...at some point, I have to defer to those who know more...whether I like it or not...).

But here is the truly awesome thing about this book: it doesn't end with just a whopping load-full of information that you are left to decipher and figure out...helplessly. The book ends with the chapter: "What Should You Do Now?" Hey, what? Really? You are going to lend me a hand in figuring out what I should do with my child(ren)? Nuh-uh! In this chapter you find the ever helpful ALTERNATE VACCINE SCHEDULE! Yes, I'm yelling. This alternate schedule is awesome and I'm yelling to express my love for it. I haven't used the schedule yet, but I plan to when Baby Jack is born. I can't wait to, once again, swim upstream in the mainstream of Doctors! Oh, boy...and I proclaim that I really don't like conflict. HA HA HA HA!

He even takes the time to address those parents who delay or decline vaccinations. And, he respects them. Yeah, it's true, he's really a doctor. I know, a foreign concept!

Dr. Sears truly addresses every aspect of Vaccines and Vaccinating/Not Vaccinating/Delaying Vaccinating. No stone is left unturned; and, if by chance he couldn't turn it over, he admits it and tells you to check his website (www.TheVaccineBook.com) for updates. He is humble (he admits he doesn't know everything) and loves what he does (he loves children and respects you as the parent). To top it off, as if this book were not awesome enough, Dr. Sears peppers this book with a lot of humor. Who knew vaccines could be fodder for laughter!

I laughed, I learned, and I am all the more better for it. A truly great read (well written) and a must have for all parents currently undergoing the vaccination down-pour of their child's early life!

I highly recommend this book.

If you are concerned about vaccines - this is the book for you. It is even-handed, thoughtful, and will help you work with your child's pediatrician to come up with a plan that is right for you. Even if you can find a copy of Dr Sears' alternative or selective vaccination schedule online, I highly recommend that you have this book so that you can learn why he has made these alterations to the accepted vaccine schedule. It is harder for a pediatrician to balk at an unconventional idea when they know the parent has "done the research." Well worth the money.

I recently had a child and I am someone who reads every crazy web site with theories on every possible danger. I found this book to be well balanced look at vaccines.

The subject of vaccines makes me very nervous but I feel Dr. Sears gives both sides of the argument and helps you make an informed decision. I recommend this book.

This book is fantastic. It can be scary to vaccinate your kids these days but with this book you can either go ahead or decline with confidence. You can know why you are choosing what you are. Thank you Dr. Sears!

As a new mom, you are all of a sudden faced with things you didn't expect... and one of those things, you don't really research while you're pregnant (at least i didnt) is vaccinations... then you take your baby in for his/her first shots... then there's that "all of a sudden" thing... you look at the list of THIRTY SOMETHING SHOTS and think back... hmmmm... Mom, how many shots did i get... oh maybe 7 or 8.

It's daunting, you want to do the right thing, you want to do the SAFE thing, you don't always know what that is.

I didn't just read this book. BUT... this is the book I've purchased for my pregnant friends. This book lays it out... simply, and comprehensively. You're informed and you're well equipped to understanding the benefits without freaking out about the negatives (of which there are many). His alternate schedules make sense & gives you options that you might not otherwise have been aware of.

It's important to be educated. Too much of a good thing... isn't always better.

As an older baby boomer, I've been shocked and dismayed by the decision of many young parents to not vaccinate their children against the childhood diseases. So, I decided to purchase a few of the popular books and see what was influencing so many parents. I find Dr. Sear's description of many of the diseases glaringly inadequate and confusing. A case in point is his description of polio. His description implies that even the worst cases -those affecting breathing and swallowing - required an iron lung for only a short period of time and voila, the paralysis was over. If I were a young parent reading Dr. Sear's description, I would never see polio as the terrible disease that once affected at least one person we all seemed to know. Our parents were terrified and many children never recovered. Many survivors were left with twisted limbs, one leg smaller and shorter than the other and spinal curves that required surgery. Today, many of those survivors suffer from post-polio syndrome... Dr. Sear's discussion of polio ends with his opinion that polio vaccination is an important public health issue. But, from reading his glib, inadequate description, I don't know what I would decide to do if I were a young parent. Fortunately, my own children appreciate the imporance of vaccination, but today's popular books do little to educate young parents. Shame on Dr. Sears. As a medical provider, he should know better. His job is not to be "Dr.Bob," medical pal to all parents. His job is to provide the real facts: The pre-vaccine era was no picnic. I'm thankful that my children and grandchildren have never had to endure many of the diseases that my peers endured. I pray that the "Dr. Bobs" of the world do not send our country back into the pre-vaccine era.

This book is a great resource for parents who have questions about the contents and safety of vaccines. I especially like that Dr. Sears will post updates to this book on his website. It just gives parents information to help them make their own decisions regarding immuninizations.

This book offers a straight-forward, comprehensive look at each of the vaccines given to children of all ages. It is the best vaccine reference I have found that combines both sides of the argument. It gives you very sound and resonable information for making vaccine decisions. I am a person who believes that modern and wholistic medicine each have their place and should work hand-in-hand and not against each other. This book made perfect sense for me. It also offers an alternative schedule for vaccines that may put some common fears to rest. Highly reccomend.

I'm somewhat of a naturalist when it comes to medications, so when my daughter was born, thoughts of vaccinating her were scary to me. This book was recommended to me and I'm so glad I purchased it. Not only does Dr. Bob give you the facts about the diseases and their severity or lack there of, but he discusses the ingredients of the vaccines and how they are made. He gives his opinions, but leaves the decision to vaccinate or not completely up to the reader. I also like that he gives an alternative vaccination schedule so your child doesn't have to receive so many injections of chemicals all at one time. If you're on the fence about vaccinating, I would highly recommend this book. I doubt you'll regret it.

First off, this is NOT the same Dr. Sears who wrote the Baby Book; it's his son who is also a pediatrician. Anyway, the book is very informative and a great resource to have since it breaks down all the vaccines into sections and discusses ingredients, risks & side effects, etc. The main thing I didn't like about this book was that Dr. Sears basically concludes that all the vaccines are necessary and should be given. I'm not expecting him to say that vaccines aren't necessary - some are - but his arguments are far from cogent. He basically concludes that since it's for the good of society that parents should give their children the vaccinations. This seems contradictory to me as he also states the downfalls of many of the vaccines. For instance, he exerts how little research there is on HPV vaccines and that the vaccines don't guard against all types of HPV and it's not known how long the vaccinations last, but then says that it's pretty safe to give and should be given.

I would have also liked to have seen some mention made of exactly why the vaccines are on the CDC schedule - some are on there as a result of heavy lobbying on the part of pharmaceutical companies. Perhaps that wasn't the point of the book, but then just give us the facts and cut out all the personal recommendations. Or if you're giving the recommendations, then at least give all the facts.

Overall, I would recommend this as a resource since it's great to have all the info in one book, but I'd say take his recommendations with a grain of salt and do your own research about why certain vaccines should and shouldn't be given.

This book gives great insight to the increasing concerns surrounding vaccines today. It is very clear and logical.

Finally, a book has been written that gives the parent all the information they need about vaccinations with no bias opinion. After pouring over all the vaccine package inserts and weighing the studies, ingredients, and likelihood of my child contracting the disease, this long overdue book has simplified my life by answering every question I could possibly have. I only wish it had been written sooner before I vaccinated my other children. Any parent who has wrestled with vaccinating their children will appreciate Dr. Sears' well written book. The most important vaccine ingredient addressed in this book was not mercury, but rather aluminum. Our children are exposed to a toxic amount with the current vaccination schedule. Parents need to be informed of what is being injected into their children. Bottom line: read this book before you vaccinate any further.

I bought this book after realizing that I needed to make a decision about vaccinations already. My son was 5 months old and he hadn't had any yet. I kept putting them off and then finally decided to find some more books to help me make the decision. Our physician is pro-vaccines however on a much different schedule than the recommended one. Dr. Sears puts all of the facts about each vaccine in a well-organized way. This is the most un-confusing book I've read about Vaccines and it helped me make an informed decision about each vaccine individually. I would highly reccommend this book even if you feel you already have your mind made up about whether or not you will vaccinate. It really helps you understand your stance on the issues surrounding vaccinations.

Excellent book. Goes over all the vaccines, and what they are made of. I feel it was an unbiased book. It gives information so you can make an educated choice about vaccines. Worth reading and if you are a parent that has concerns, this book will help you. It will help you choose the necessary vaccines, and set up an appropriate schedule that you can be comfortable with.

Having read Dr. Sears ATTACHMENT PARENTING and THE BABY BOOK, I had hoped that he would be the one M.D. who would give us leniency when it comes to vaccinating our children. Sears' usual bedside manner is apparent; soft and kind, gentle and compassionate. He offers a description of each vaccine and disease, how common the disease is in the U.S., as well as why people would choose not to vaccinate against each disease. In the end, however, he seems to state that after looking at each child and each vaccine individually, we should vaccinate, providing our child is healthy. He appears to be pro-vaccination, recommending safety for the masses, which is why vaccines were invented. Most M.D.'s that I talk to have the same argument - "the diseases are serious and the risk associated with vaccines is minimal." Sears appears to have the same opinion. I feel that is the stock answer, scripted, as if that's what they were taught to say in medical school.

The book is easy to read, not too full of medical jargon, and I admit makes an excellent case for vaccinating your children. After reading it, however, I'm still undecided about vaccinating my child, being that she is exclusively breast-fed and not in day care. I guess I was disappointed, because I agree with almost every word in Dr. Sears' other books, and I was hoping he'd say "sure, it's ok to wait until she's 2 years old." Ha! I do appreciate the book, and thank Dr. Sears for writing it.

I would say that it was almost TOO much information but it was all necessary. I fell into the category of: "still confused after reading the book" but Dr. Sears' recommended alternate vaccine schedule helped me to sort through the the most complex issues. I went to my pediatrician with book & notes in hand and was treated with respect. He worked with me to start my then unvaccinated 6 month old on an alternate schedule that I am comfortable with. Believe it or not - we have an HMO and I truly believe it was because I did the research.

I'm still not convinced that I am avoiding all of the issues surrounding vaccinations but am happy that I am taking a more modified approach which I believe will serve my child better than the recommended schedule.

Finally! A book about vaccines that is easy to understand! I'm a birth and postpartum doula and when it comes to guiding clients toward the most updated information about vaccines, this is the only book I suggest they read. The educational aspects of this book stick with you.

I am a concerned parent who has been laboring over the decision of what to do about vaccinations. I was looking for a book that would help me make a decision without sending me into a panic attack. This book is a must have. It helped!!! I love the way this book is written. Dr. Sears addresses each vaccine individually. The format is the same for each vaccine throughout the book, so it's easy to look over the info. The information is to the point, yet very specific. I love how Dr. Sears discusses the different brands of each vaccine that is available and what the ingredients are in each company's vaccine. It is also comforting to know that the book is written by a practicing pediatrician who is also a father. If you are a parent who is questioning vaccines there is no doubt that you need this book.

An honest book about the pros/cons regarding vaccines. It made me cringe to know what I was injecting into my child (he lists ingredients to most common vaccines), however made it possible for me to make the smartest decisions for my baby. His alternative vaccine schedule makes it possible to get all required vaccines but just not so many at once at such a young age.
I recommended this book to all my friends with babies or babies to be.

I have been searching for a while for a detailed, unbiased book explaining the Pros and Cons to each childhood vaccine. This book is informative and easy to read. It presents the information to you without telling you what you should do.