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A review by berlinbibliophile
On Immunity: An Inoculation by Eula Biss
4.0
This book is very readable and has lots of interesting information to offer. Biss explains where anti-vaccinators are coming from, their fears and concerns. I think I understand that a little better now, even though I don't agree with it in the slightest. Biss brings in lots of historical examples of how people have tried to prevent disease. The discussion of the weaponisation of disease and vaccination was fascinating and horrible to read about.
Biss also refutes most of the claims and fears of anti-vaccinators. I just think that she gives too much space to the fears, and not enough to the science. Even though her conclusions are that vaccinations are important, she spends so much time detailing erroneous fears and so little going into the reasons why vaccination is important and safe that the book doesn't read as balanced as Biss would like it to seem.
Biss also draws parallels to metaphors of disease and how they shape our thinking. Dracula is a recurring theme, and it was interesting to think about how people reacted to vampires then and now.
Biss also refutes most of the claims and fears of anti-vaccinators. I just think that she gives too much space to the fears, and not enough to the science. Even though her conclusions are that vaccinations are important, she spends so much time detailing erroneous fears and so little going into the reasons why vaccination is important and safe that the book doesn't read as balanced as Biss would like it to seem.
Biss also draws parallels to metaphors of disease and how they shape our thinking. Dracula is a recurring theme, and it was interesting to think about how people reacted to vampires then and now.