American Academy of Pediatrics: Immunizations & Infectious Diseases

November 1, 2005
Parents face increasingly complex decisions about their children's health -especially in the debates about vaccine safety. In this weighty manual rooted in evidence-based research, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) contends, among other things, that immunizations are essential and safe. Editor Fisher oversees a wide variety of pertinent information: facts and figures on vaccines, including safety, side effects, and risks from disease; recommendations and schedules for immunizations (special children like preterm babies are addressed); the prevention and treatment of illnesses and/or injuries caused by food, insects or animals, and sexual transmission; and infectious agents like anthrax and plague that could be used in a terrorist attack. Antibiotics garner special attention, with emphasis on appropriate use and guidelines for parents. An overview of infectious diseases provides brief descriptions and covers signs and symptoms, when to call the doctor, diagnostic and treatment procedures, prognosis, and prevention. While the reading level is quite high, this is an excellent reference for parents, complete with a glossary and a brief listing of resources. It enters a crowded field of both pro- and anti-immunization titles but will stand out because of the AAP imprimatur. Highly recommended." -Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp., Tampa, FL"

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