Immunization

The Fourth Edition has been comprehensively updated and the travel section completely revised. The book gives a thorough introduction to the history of immunization, vaccine technology and immunology, and compares international schedules of routine immunizations. Each vaccine is then presented separately, including contraindications, local and general side and adverse effects, administration advice, special precautions and notes, vaccine availability, storage, and well-referenced comments on issues surrounding each vaccine, including controversies. A description of the infection caused by the relevant microorganisms follows, together with data on disease notifications and immunization coverage. A considerable number of maps illustrate endemicity of diseases.

One section is dedicated to issues relevant to primary care such as immunization fees and targets, audit, electronic recall systems, patient group directions and issues surrounding the immunization work of the practice nurse.

The Fourth Edition includes an extensive section on travel health, which includes the latest travel statistics, travel clinics, detailed advice to travellers and legal issues that may arise. A considerable amount of information is included on air travel, contraindications to travel, and high altitude sickness. Specific information is given on advising travellers at risk because of pre-existing conditions, and how to best deal with the returned traveller. Advice is provided for each disease, including malaria, which is covered in detail.

The last section contains information on notifiable diseases, reciprocal healthcare agreements, contact numbers for Embassies and High Commissions in London, a world travel advice checklist, and an extensive list of sources of travel information with contact address.

George Kassianos is the editor of Immunization: Childhood and Travel Health, 4th Edition, published by Wiley.