A review by canada_matt
Deadly Choices: How the Anti-Vaccine Movement Threatens Us All by Paul A. Offit

5.0

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate, that is the question. But, is it really one that parents should be having after they have a child? Dr. Paul A. Offit leaps into the middle of the debate in this book, seeking to explore all avenues and convince the reader that the anti-vaccine movement is predicated on falsehoods and half-truths. The modern push against vaccination appears to have emerged from a 1982 documentary that sought to show a connection between the pertussis vaccine and severe brain damage, from the onset of seizures through to significant impairment that cannot be reversed. Those advocating that there was a direct correlation between vaccination and these injuries cite numerous families whose children suffered significantly soon after having their scheduled shots. Offit offers what seems to be a thorough explanation of the movement’s views before showing the studies that have been completed to diffuse these accusations, even if they are not convincing to those who feel they know best. Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, is a horrible condition whose onset sounds gruesome when described and when it invades the body of young people, they are trapped to suffer and sometimes die. Offit tries his best to explain the theory of vaccination and how vaccines are created, in hopes of helping a large portion of the population. However, protection of the greater whole requires the immunization of a large portion of the population, something that seems to elude those who fear side effects. Offit also explores the origins of anti-vaccine movements, which began in Britain in the early 19th century and continues today. The focus appears to vary, from the ‘satanic’ nature of introducing things from outside the body (aluminium appears to be the biggest culprit), to the obvious triggering of autism, to a personal choice embedded in constitutional rights. The early anti-vaccination movement stemmed from government requirements rather than the medical issues, but things have morphed with the onset of mass communication of apparent side effects and death rates. Offit looks at more than just pertussis, taking time to explore smallpox, polio, and even measles, all of which has its own vaccine haters. While the anti-vaccine movement was based on personal choices or alternative medical information in the past, the 21st century mutation has turned militant, using celebrities to speak out and cut others down who even suggest vaccines are useful. This poisonous attack through the airwaves tends also to be meant to drum up fear rather than education, as Offit shows how many falsehoods appear while such advocates refuse to allow rebuttal of their points. The latter part of the book explores the interesting discussion of the graphing of immunisation rates and the explanation behind it. It is sobering and chilling at the same time, as the reader is pulled into the middle of the great cyclical debate, all while children continue to get sick or die while others play Russian Roulette with large portions of the population. A great piece that will surely educate many in an attempt to open eyes on this heated debate and an ever-evolving social movement.

The idea of getting Neo’s vaccinations were never in question when he was young, nor will it be in the years to come. However, I have long heard about the ‘anti-vaxx’ movement that seeks to keep the body pure and natural, free from anti-freeze and aluminium poisoning and autism-free. This book not only strengthens my belief that vaccines are a good thing for children, but offers me a refreshing look, with some substantiation, why those who are against them feel the way they do. Offit could have used this piece as his own soapbox to deride those who are against him. However, he laid out their arguments throughout and offered them a great deal of ink as he tried to explain their foibles. Offit takes the discussion deeper than the modern version, delving into the history, science, religious arguments, political sentiments, and even legal ramifications of vaccination and parses through some of the rhetoric and falsehoods that seem to be spreading. Admittedly, all medical treatments have side effect and yes, there will be deaths, but ignorance or outright gambling with one’s child seems not to make sense in this modern day. Even those who follow the herd mentality that Offit discusses—whereby once a certain percentage of the population is inoculated, even those who are not stay safe because of so much protection around them—seem destined to pass the buck and leave it to others to do the work. Interestingly enough, the fewer who vaccinate, the less likely herds will protect those who seek to hide among them. Offit helps solidify my belief that many are being duped by a smaller faction who are too lazy to be responsible, which includes some inside the medical profession. That being said, if there are those who stand behind anti-vaccination and have something that I could read to try swaying me over to the other side, with thorough exploration of the topic, not simple blather about ‘Jennie got sick when she had her shot, so vaccines are crap’, I would be happy to read and review it here. Until then, I’ll rest easier knowing that I have done all I can to protect Neo from the ravages of diseases out there from which there are means of protecting him.

Kudos, Dr. Offit, for helping me better understand both sides of this argument. I can only hope that others will read this book and get the bigger picture for themselves.

This book fulfils Topic #1: Lead of the Equinox #11 Reading Challenge.

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A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons