Vaccination and Its Critics

Vaccination and Its Critics: A Documentary and Reference Guide offers a comprehensive and balanced historical overview of vaccination and the controversies that have surrounded it from its beginnings through the present day. Supported by 50 primary source documents, the book traces the medical and societal progression of vaccines, from early preventive efforts and the eradication of epidemics to discussions of modern concerns such as claims about vaccines and autism. Author Lisa Rosner examines the development of vaccine practices, laws governing distribution, patients’ rights, consumer advocacy, and notable vaccination disasters, presenting perspectives from researchers, physicians, public health specialists, patients, advocates, and government officials to illuminate both the past and future of vaccination on a global level.

Key Features:

• Authoritative historical narrative of vaccine development and opposition, supported by primary sources.
• Timeline of discoveries tracking medical breakthroughs and public response over centuries.
• Covers legal, social, and advocacy aspects of vaccination policy.
• Includes diverse perspectives from researchers, clinicians, government officials, and the public.
• Useful for researchers, students, and readers interested in the history, science, and debate surrounding vaccines.