Vaccines: History Science and Issues (Story of a Drug)

Providing scientifically accurate detailed and accessible information to students and general readers this book presents the history of vaccination; describes the administration manufacturing and regulation of vaccines in the United States; and explains the most recent scientific findings about vaccination while addressing concerns of those who oppose immunization.What is a vaccine and how does it work? How are vaccines made? Who discovered vaccines? What diseases do vaccines prevent are these vaccines effective and are they safe? Presenting comprehensive information on a topic that remains the focus of considerable controversy Vaccines: History Science and Issues provides readers with a single-volume examination of vaccines and their history production uses and limitations. Written in language that avoids intimidating medical jargon this latest addition to Greenwoods Story of a Drug series looks at different types of vaccines and documents the value of vaccination to society. It explains the process of developing a vaccine the testing required before it can be distributed to the public and the challenges that arise in manufacturing and distribution along with potential solutions to some of these problems. Readers will gain insight into vaccination-related topics such as the legal issues surrounding mandatory vaccination the relationship between vaccines and adverse events and the governments role in adjudicating claims of damage. The book also includes international recommendations from the World Health Organization and information on vaccines that are available and used outside the United States.Explains in depth the uses dosage adverse events contraindications and limitations of every vaccineProvides a detailed scientific explanation of the mechanism by which vaccines create immunityExamines current controversies in vaccine usage and their scientific and social basisOffers an international perspective on vaccine development and useDocuments the anti-vaccination movement that has existed from the 18th century through today