Vaccinating Your Child: Questions & Answers for the Concerned Parent

An experienced doctor and a well-known child advocate address the issues, parental concerns, medical benefits, and possible risks associated with childhood immunizations.

All parents must address the question of vaccinating their children. Fifty years ago the vaccine question asked by parents was simply, When? But with the development of new vaccines, the dramatic changes in immunization schedules, and disturbing reports of the risks and possible side effects associated with certain vaccines, parents have more questions and greater concerns. Today parents are asking: Will this vaccine be safe for my child? What are the side effects? Is this the best way to safeguard my child's health and the health of our community? Does my child need to be immunized from a disease that barely exists anymore?

VACCINATING YOUR CHILD addresses the medical, ethical, and legal issues parents need to know about so they can make informed decisions about individual vaccinations. The authors provide the most up-to-date information available from the medical community about vaccinations and the benefits and risks of each vaccination for the individual and the community. They also address the special concerns associated with specific vaccinations, including the oral polio vaccine and the controversial rotavirus vaccine that has now been removed from the market. Finally, the authors also review the vaccines that children may need as they grow up and the vaccines that all family members may need as they travel around and outside of the United States.

Sharon Humiston is a pediatrician who has been involved in immunization research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since 1997. She is also a Medical Epidemiologist in the National Immunization Program at the CDC. She lives with her husband and children in Atlanta, Georgia.

Cynthia Good is a best-selling author and award-winning journalist with more than fifteen years of experience as a television anchor and reporter. Currently she is the creator and host of the television show, "Good for Parents." Her books include WORDS EVERY CHILD MUST HEAR. She lives with her husband and two children in Atlanta, Georgia.