Product Description
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. * By the well-known author of The Natural Pregnancy Book and Naturally Healthy Babies and Children and coauthor of ADHD Alternatives. 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 parents: 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.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 30 reviews)

Non biased and informative by Macie (Boston, MA)

5 Stars
August 15, 2009
I have been reading vaccine books for a few years, and this is the first one that does not seem to come down on either side of the debate. The author clearly and factually discusses each disease for which we vaccinate and leaves it up to you. The phrase "benefits outweigh the risks" is not uttered - which is a breath of fresh air in the vaccine debate. She also goes on to discuss pain alleviation if you do decide to vaccinate, as well as entire section of more organic and preventative remedies for these diseases. This will be my new "go to" book for when people ask for recommendations. I look forward to trying some of the immune boosting recipes with my children, as well.

A very informative book on vaccinations by Michael A. Koeninger

4 Stars
July 08, 2009
This book covers both sides of the issue, and I found it a very good resource. It has a vast wealth of information on how to increase your immunocompetence (ability to create the natural response to an antigen), whether you choose to vaccinate or not, and by doing it naturally. A very good read for all who want to increase their knowledge of vaccinations and natural alternatives to allopathic (traditional) medicine.

Valuable resource by A. Larson (Portland, OR United States)

5 Stars
March 28, 2009
I bought several vaccine books when our first child was born. This is the one I've kept. It has been such a great resource whenever we have a question about childhood diseases, treatments, and vaccines. Highly recommended, especially if you are considering an alternative vaccination schedule or limited/no vaccinations.

Somewhat informative, poorly organized by Greg (California)

2 Stars
February 01, 2009
While this book contains some good information, especially regarding alternative treatments and natural immune boosters, the way it was organized made for a confusing read. As a parent, I am not really interested in, or have the time to read an in depth dissertation on the history of disease and immune biology. And getting a comprehensive view of each vaccine requires reading small parts of many chapters. Also, it does not cover all the vaccines being given today and provided no information on alternative schedules.

Understandable and rational by emaroda

5 Stars
November 10, 2008
I feel like this book is pretty neutral and factual on vaccinations. The author is definitely interested in helping parents make the best choice for them. I don't feel like she was out to just push either agenda; vaccinations all the way or none at all. This book was written by a midwife. That fact alone made me interested in what she had to say about vaccinations. The other reason I love this book is the detail about the dangerous or questionable ingredients in each vaccine. Articles in Parent's Magazine don't talk about those ingredients when they tell you vaccinating is the most important thing you can do to safe guard the health of your child. It makes me wonder who exactly is paying them to write that article. Anyway, the book is informative and fair, regardless of your stance on vaccinations. The important thing is that parents at least know what they are giving permission for, when choosing vaccinations.

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