Vaccines for Dummies

Inoculate yourself against the confusion and misinformation surrounding vaccines

Measles, mumps, and rubella--oh my! Why are we vaccinating our children--and ourselves--against these diseases, and what goes on in our bodies after the needle comes out? Vaccines For Dummies will inform and entertain you about all things vax, including how the first vaccines were discovered, what's in modern vaccines, how they are tested and approved for use, and why the CDC's vaccine schedule is what it is. Inside, you'll also find a complete guide to vaccine benefits, potential side effects, and contraindications, so you'll be ready when shot time comes.

From the very first inoculations hundreds of years ago to the brand new COVID-19 shot, creating immunity to diseases has become a human specialty. If you're wondering how safe and how necessary it all is, you aren't alone. In Vaccines For Dummies, we'll explore the issue from every angle, empowering you to take charge of your wellbeing. With this book, you will:

• Discover the ABCs of vaccines, including what they're made of and how they work
• Learn about each recommended childhood and adult immunization, plus the seasonal flu shot, all with this evidence-based guide
• Take a journey through vaccine history, meeting the major players of yesterday and today
• Decide what's right for your family, with the help of the most recent vaccine science

Parents, parents-to-be, adults of any age, and anyone who wants to delve into the microscopic world of pathogens and their arch nemeses (antigens and antibodies) will get a double dose of knowledge from Vaccines For Dummies.

Megan Coffee, MD, PhD, is a faculty member at the Grossman School of Medicine at New York University Hospital. She is an attending physician in infectious diseases at Bellevue Hospital in New York City and teaches on communicable diseases in humanitarian crises at Columbia University. She collaborates with a team at NYU to better predict disease severity in COVID.

Sharon Perkins, RN, is the co-author of more than 10 For Dummies titles including Pregnancy For Dummies, Healthy Aging For Dummies, Dad's Guide to Baby's First Year For Dummies, and most recently, Getting Pregnant For Dummies.