Very HelpfulDecember 13, 2007 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I found the book to be written in layman's terms and very helpful. However, Dr. Sears suggest getting certain brand vaccinations that have less mercury or metals but there isn't a docs office in my town of 25,000 that carries these brands. I guess I have my work cut out for me to get them to change.
The Best Book about Vaccines on the MarketDecember 12, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Finally. That's what I kept thinking as I read through Dr. Bob Sears' newest book, entitled, "The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child" (Little, Brown, and Company, 2007).
For a long time, I have wished that there was a comprehensive resource about vaccines from someone I could trust.
I admit that I have a somewhat weary suspicion of most M.D.'s. I try to trust them, to think that they are making decisions because they care about my precious little girl with her sparkling blue eyes, her winning smile, and her gurgling laughter. I hope that they are not making decisions because of money or lack of time or pride, but that hope is often overshadowed by skepticism of a flawed industry.
That's why I was overjoyed when I heard it was Dr. Sears who authored the book. I trust the Sears family - their gentler, warmer, more humane way of addressing patients and parenting. I appreciate their more natural approach - their stances about breastfeeding, babywearing, and co-sleeping (they're advocates of all three).
I was not disappointed. Dr. Sears has created a thorough, detailed analysis of each vaccine (pros, cons, ingredients, side effects, etc.). Although it is obvious that Sears knows his stuff, his voice is warm and professional, not sterile and condescending. He answers common questions with grace.
But he doesn't provide easy answers or gloss over the debate. In fact, I found myself floundering a bit when I closed the pages, still uncertain by the vaccine dilemma, a bit overwhelmed with all of the data. I did feel more knowledgeable, however, and I felt like I would come back to this book many times to thoughtfully revisit the concepts.
The Vaccine Book is the only book of its kind on the market. It is objective without some elephant agenda (ant-vaccine or pro-vaccine). It is clear and it is parent-friendly. The back of the book promises that it is the "first-ever, authoritative, open-minded guide to childhood vaccines" and that synopsis rings true to me.
I highly recommend this book to any parent who has ever wondered about vaccines, any parent searching for answers that are backed up by research and experience. This is one purchase you are unlikely to regret.
Finally a vaccine book that is not radical!December 11, 2007 Finally a vaccine book that is not radical!! When I was doing my own vaccine research I had the hardest time finding a current, informative, research based book that was not radical! & then came Dr. Bob's book!! I love how he presents the facts (or lack there of; which isn't his fault, as there really is a lack of research in the area of vaccines!) in a clear & honest fashion. While obviously pro vaccine; he presents the data thoroughly & offers his opinion, (as he should it's his book afterall) without preaching & suggestions/alternatives. A great resource!
Pros: Comprehensive research presented in a user friendly, format. A realistic alternative vaccination schedule suggestion. A realistic selective vaccination schedule suggestion
Cons: Not for the radical (pro or anti) vaccinator! It's a book; and what busy mom really has the time to read!!
PLUS: the books website has updates; doctor listings, blog, etc. Dr Bob participates in the blogs!
Dr. Bob makes it easy to make an informed decision regarding vaccinationsDecember 10, 2007 5 out of 6 found this review helpful
My husband and I were fortunate enough to hear Dr. Bob speak about Vaccinations in May, a month before our son was born, and many months before his book was released. At his lecture he was very personable, thoroughly answered all questions posed to him, and neither dumbed-down his explanations nor spoke over any heads. All of this is easily translated into his writing style. Reading "The Vaccine Book" feels more like sitting down with a good Dr. that you trust, and who has all the time in the world, and getting frank and impartial answers to your questions.
We recently changed pediatricians and because of "The Vaccine Book" I was able to clearly articulate our vaccination decisions to our new pediatrician. He is very pro-vaccination and was not shy about disagreeing with our choices, but when I was able to easily defend my position and point out ingredients I earned his respect.
Just what I was looking for....December 9, 2007 I was so happy to hear about Dr. Bob's book on vaccines. I love that it is just the facts. He has it organized by shot, which I really liked. I heard about this book on a fantatic podcast called Pregtastic and immediatley purchased the book. This book has helped me make the right choices for my baby (due in January). I feel like I can have an educated talk with my doctor. I do think vaccines have a purpose and am not for avoiding them, but I also want to know what I am putting into my baby's body. I love that he gives a rec. schedule. This book is now part of my book collection. (You really can't go wrong with any of the Sears Family books, I now own a few)!