This authoritative and unbiased narrative—supported by 50 primary source documents—follows the history of vaccination, highlighting essential medical achievements and ongoing controversies.

This authoritative and unbiased narrative—supported by 50 primary source documents—follows the history of vaccination, highlighting essential medical achievements and ongoing controversies. This timely work provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific breakthrough known as vaccination and the controversy surrounding its opposition. A timeline of discoveries trace the medical and societal progression of vaccines from the early development of this medical preventive to the eradication of epidemics and the present-day discussion about its role in autism. The content presents compelling parallels across different time periods to reflect the ongoing concerns that have persisted throughout history regarding vaccination. Author Lisa Rosner provides a sweeping overview of the topic, covering the development of modern vaccines and practices, laws governing the distribution of vaccines, patients' rights, consumer advocacy, and vaccination disasters. Throughout the volume, primary source documents present the perspectives of researchers, public health specialists, physicians, patients, consumer advocates, and government officials, helping to illuminate the past, present, and future of vaccines on a global level.

"This well-written book by historian Rosner offers a selection of historical documents covering the history of vaccination from its earliest manifestations to the present day. . . . Her work is sure to interest history of medicine buffs. Summing Up: Highly recommended. High school through undergraduate students; general readers." - Choice

"Vaccination and Its Critics: A Documentary and Reference Guide is a very unique item compared to other books written on vaccines and vaccine injuries. . . . [It] provides the reader with the primary source documents—letters, first-hand accounts of people who have suffered various diseases like polio, newspaper articles, accounts from researchers and more. . . . . I would recommend it as reference material for public libraries and undergraduate students looking to do more research on the topic." - Reference Reviews

"Research students seeking information in the area of inoculation history will find this book thorough and compact. . . . This title is recommended for public, school, and academic libraries." - ARBA