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The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child (Updated in 2023) (Sears Parenting Library) Kindle Edition
***New Covid Chapter Added in 2023***
From America's most trusted name in pediatrics, an indispensable, comprehensive guide for parents facing the childcare question of the decade: "Should I vaccinate my child?"
When you're considering which vaccinations are right for your child and when to administer them, there's a lot to think about. With twelve separate vaccines on the standard schedule and so much conflicting information available, it's easy to become overwhelmed.
Dr. Bob Sears offers help. In this authoritative, impartial, fact-based guide to childhood vaccinations, he provides an in-depth look at each disease/vaccine pair and covers everything you need to know, including:
- how common or rare, as well as how serious, each disease is
- how each vaccine is made and what its ingredients are
- which ingredients are potentially controversial
- which brands and types of vaccines are safest
- what each vaccine's side effects might be and how likely they are to occur
- how to recognize, treat, and prevent vaccine side effects
- how to tailor your child's shot schedule to minimize risks and satisfy state requirements
- advice on adult vaccines and vaccines for international travel
- an in-depth section on Canadian vaccinations
"The most evenhanded and thorough look at baby immunizations we've yet seen." —Babytalk
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherLittle, Brown Spark
- Publication dateOctober 26, 2011
- File size2.6 MB

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About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B005WK2HQS
- Publisher : Little, Brown Spark; Revised edition (October 26, 2011)
- Publication date : October 26, 2011
- Language : English
- File size : 2.6 MB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 353 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #33,776 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #2 in Parenting Reference
- #8 in Children's Health (Kindle Store)
- #22 in Parenting (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Robert W. Sears, MD, is a father of three, practicing pediatrician, and a co-author in the Sears Parenting Library. "Dr. Bob", as he likes to be called by his little patients, earned his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1995. He did his pediatric internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, finishing in 1998. Dr. Bob is the proud father of three active boys, Andrew, age 24, Alex, age 21, and Joshua age 15. He and his wife, Cheryl, reside in Dana Point, CA. In his spare time Dr. Bob enjoys surfing the California waves, mountain biking, playing bass guitar with his teenage son guitarist, and trying to keep up with his three children.
Dr. Bob enjoys a very unique approach to pediatrics by providing a combination of alternative and traditional medical care. He has a passion for healthy natural living and incorporates this knowledge into a style of disease treatment and prevention that you won't find in most doctors offices. By limiting antibiotic use, using science-based natural treatment approaches whenever possible, and focusing on good nutrition and immune system health, Dr. Bob takes preventative medicine to a whole new level. His commitment to breastfeeding success for all his patients also helps babies get a right start in life.
Dr. Bob has a particular passion for helping parents understand childhood vaccines and the options open to them in choosing the safest possible vaccine schedule for their child. As the solo author of The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child, his in-depth knowledge of vaccines and the diseases they prevent has helped parents nationwide get a better understanding of this complex and confusing issue.
Having had the privilege to help raise three active boys, Dr. Bob has grown fond of the "parenting" side of pediatrics. He especially enjoys talking to parents in his practice about the joys, and trials, of watching their little babies and toddlers thrive through the first several years of life. His passion for helping new parents is portrayed in his work, Father’s First Steps: 25 Things Every New Dad Should Know.
Dr. Bob is committed to enjoying a slow-paced, casual atmosphere in the office, providing long checkups, giving parents the flexibility to ask for house calls at home when needed and being one of the very few Orange County pediatricians to be available after hours, overnight, and on weekends for phone calls and home visits. Because he is not contracted with any insurance companies he is able to focus his attention 100% on just being a doctor without having to worry about the business side of running an insurance-based office. His patients take care of billing their own insurance themselves and find that once they learn the process it is very easy.
Dr. Bob has appeared on the Dr. Phil show to offer advice on child behavior and parenting issues. He has also appeared on the Ellen DeGeneris show, CNN's House Calls with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the CBS Early Show, and PBS's "A Place of Our Own". He is a frequent speaker at parenting conferences. He has written for Contemporary Pediatrics, Newsweek Japan, and dozen's of regional parenting magazines across the nation.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book informative and a great resource for parents. They describe it as an easy read that covers all aspects of vaccines in a balanced way. Readers appreciate the clear explanations and straightforward format. The book provides unbiased information without opinions or bias, presenting current scientific safety study findings on each vaccine.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book informative and unbiased. They say it provides good information for parents who want to know about vaccines. The book lays out the facts and allows readers to make an educated decision. Readers appreciate the helpful inserts that make medical jargon and statistics more understandable.
"...Which ever way you lean, it’s good to read the benefits, the risks, side effects and ingredients of each vax and the author does it perfectly!" Read more
"...each vaccine works (prevent spread or lessen symptoms), ingredients, prevalence, side effects, to disease progression it's a must have for anyone..." Read more
"...A review of each disease, types of vaccines, efficacy, side effects, case studies, a look at the diseases and vaccines over the years, etc...." Read more
"...It was not anti-vaccine at all, it simply described each vaccine and each ingredient and presented the most current scientific safety study..." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They say it's a comprehensive resource for parents and a good guide. The covid chapter is interesting, and the book doesn't waste their time.
"I LOVED this book! I recommend every parent get a copy and read it. It would also make a great gift for someone you know having a shower...." Read more
"Even if your for/against vaccines. I think its a great read for every parent." Read more
"...Then I read this book and WOWOWOWOW what a book. Why is it so good, and what makes it different from all the other material I've seen and read..." Read more
"...The covid chapter was a fascinating read. Thank you Dr. Bob!" Read more
Customers find the book helpful in deciding whether to get a vaccine. It provides a balanced view on vaccines, including information about ingredients, side effects, and the likelihood of developing diseases from them. The author is described as a pro-vaccine doctor who has listened to different opinions.
"...it’s good to read the benefits, the risks, side effects and ingredients of each vax and the author does it perfectly!" Read more
"...From how each vaccine works (prevent spread or lessen symptoms), ingredients, prevalence, side effects, to disease progression it's a must have for..." Read more
"...He then goes over each vaccine in order, each vaccine being their own chapter, and following a consistent format per chapter...." Read more
"This book is incredibly in depth with its information. A review of each disease, types of vaccines, efficacy, side effects, case studies, a look at..." Read more
Customers find the book's explanations clear and easy to follow. They appreciate the organized format for quick reference and comparison. The author breaks things down in layman's terms, making it readable and usable for parents. The book provides a great starting point for understanding confusing and conflicting information about vaccines.
"...the risks, side effects and ingredients of each vax and the author does it perfectly!" Read more
"Not through with it yet but easy to get through. The material is laid out VERY clearly, is easy to comprehend and is unbiased so you can truly make..." Read more
"...It is more information than I ever expected, in a format that is sectioned down in consistent and easy to read and reference...." Read more
"...Gives straightforward, well-organized info on how common diseases are, effects and complications, vaccine ingredients, likeliness of side effects,..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's unbiased and informative approach. They find it provides good, neutral information with plenty of sources. The author is neutral when looking at the evidence about different sides of the debate, presenting both sides clearly without judgemental rants.
"...The material is laid out VERY clearly, is easy to comprehend and is unbiased so you can truly make your own decisions...." Read more
"...Drawing no conclusions, Dr. Sears challenges each parent to make their own decision about each vaccine's use and schedule one at a time, with..." Read more
"This book is very informative and unbiased...." Read more
"...This book is not anti-vaccine, anti-doctor, nor anti-western medicine...." Read more
Customers find the book helpful for understanding risks and side effects of vaccines. They appreciate the information on ingredients, potential side effects, and current scientific safety study findings. The book provides a clear, frank approach with risks vs. benefits, age-appropriate vaccinations, and the likelihood of reactions.
"...Which ever way you lean, it’s good to read the benefits, the risks, side effects and ingredients of each vax and the author does it perfectly!" Read more
"...works (prevent spread or lessen symptoms), ingredients, prevalence, side effects, to disease progression it's a must have for anyone confused or..." Read more
"...Single and Combo are both gone over thoroughly. All known side effects and their likeliness per maker of the vaccine, in past versions and current..." Read more
"...A review of each disease, types of vaccines, efficacy, side effects, case studies, a look at the diseases and vaccines over the years, etc...." Read more
Customers find this book helpful for parents who are unsure about vaccines. It provides medical information and encourages them to make the best choice for their child. The book is thorough and provides valuable information for new mothers.
"...It would also make a great gift for someone you know having a shower...." Read more
"...So it's an excellent starting point...." Read more
"...they should follow the recommended vaccine schedule, this is a great place to start. Is it flawless? Of course not...." Read more
"...to concerned parents who are trying to provide the best care to their children." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's alternative vaccine schedules. They find it helpful for adjusting the vaccination schedule and providing different timeline suggestions for parents to choose from. The book provides rationale for the delayed but complete schedule, which saves them time and headaches.
"...He also provides some alternative schedules you can use as starting points if you want to take some vaccines but not others, or spread them..." Read more
"...He offers great advice and options for delayed or alternative vax schedules that would help minimize any risks the vaccines might have...." Read more
"...process, the ingredients, and the brands, and I like his delayed but complete schedule, and the rationale he presents for spacing vaccines." Read more
"...He offers a selective schedule that includes just some of the vaccines, as well as a delayed schedule that covers all CDC recommended vaccines, but..." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2025I LOVED this book! I recommend every parent get a copy and read it. It would also make a great gift for someone you know having a shower.
Which ever way you lean, it’s good to read the benefits, the risks, side effects and ingredients of each vax and the author does it perfectly!
- Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025Not through with it yet but easy to get through. The material is laid out VERY clearly, is easy to comprehend and is unbiased so you can truly make your own decisions. From how each vaccine works (prevent spread or lessen symptoms), ingredients, prevalence, side effects, to disease progression it's a must have for anyone confused or curious about all the new vaccines for infants/toddlers.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2015I don't know if anyone else has done this yet, but this is a detailed breakdown of what is in this book. It is more information than I ever expected, in a format that is sectioned down in consistent and easy to read and reference. Personally, this is one of the best investments I made prepping for my brand new role as a mother. I bought it in my second trimester. I poured through it making notes and highlighting as I went. Dr Sears IS pro-vaccine, yet he writes from a neutral stand point giving you facts. But he is not here to tell you to get vaccines, rather to guide you in making the right choices for you! I'm pretty sure those that gave one star are those that have not even read a word of this book, but are rather so adamantly against just the idea of people not vaccinating that they must discredit a wealth of knowledge that benefits ALL parents and children.
It starts with the current to date vaccine schedule chart. He then goes over each vaccine in order, each vaccine being their own chapter, and following a consistent format per chapter. The history of the disease. The description, likelihood of getting it, and the statistics including the risk factors involved for your child should they contract it, the short term and potentially long term outcome or damage, and the mortality rate. So basically the risks of not getting the vaccine. Followed by the risks of getting the vaccine. Common immediate reactions, more significant risks which can be different according to each company that makes the vaccine. (These are all based off of case studies and statistics). The different versions that may be made as a single disease vaccine, or as a combination vaccine, which also depending on the maker. Single and Combo are both gone over thoroughly. All known side effects and their likeliness per maker of the vaccine, in past versions and current ones, the ingredients and specific amounts of things like aluminum and formaldehyde. Aluminum being especially important because if your pediatrician is using certain ones that contain higher levels, you would not want to get them at the same time as another with mid to high aluminum levels. Meaning you might want a different brand for one, or if that's not an option for you, wait until the next visit for the other vaccine containing aluminum, thus keeping levels in your child lower and safe. Some contain eggs, which your child may be allergic to. If there is a particular maker with risks that aren't worth taking the chance, he will tell you that he doesn't recommend that certain brand/combo for that vaccine- not to be confused with not getting one all together. At the end of each of those chapters, he weighs in. Recommending whether this is one he personally believes you really shouldn't skip, or whether it's one that is not really necessary in scenarios such as a breastfed child who is not in daycare until a certain age. Whether the vaccine is given primarily as protection for the child, or more as protection for someone exposed to the child, with the child simply being an unaffected carrier. Like being a potential risk around a pregnant mother. If you are uncomfortable with following the recommended schedule of what and when, he has chapters at the end that help you with a delayed or selective schedule, or customizing your own.
Does this help you realize how important this book is? And why we as parents should take the responsibility of knowing what is injected in our child and why?
- Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2025This book is incredibly in depth with its information. A review of each disease, types of vaccines, efficacy, side effects, case studies, a look at the diseases and vaccines over the years, etc. It weighs the pros and cons very objectively so that you, as a parent, can weigh the risks and benefits with an informed decision. I can’t recommend this book enough to parents! Especially first time parents!
- Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2013I bought this book wanting to get the anti-vaccine side of the argument, because I was told this book had references to real white-paper studies and not just the endless string of tear-jerking but scientifically meaningless anecdotal stories that you see on TV and read about online.
I was very impressed with and surprised by this book. It was not anti-vaccine at all, it simply described each vaccine and each ingredient and presented the most current scientific safety study findings on each, along with the corresponding risks of each disease. Drawing no conclusions, Dr. Sears challenges each parent to make their own decision about each vaccine's use and schedule one at a time, with specific advice for various scenarios (breast-fed at home vs 5 days/week in daycare, for example).
My wife and I were pleased to find ourselves intuitively designing our own custom vaccine schedule as we read through the book, custom tailored for our unique situation. After reading, we choose to almost fully vaccinate, but on a schedule we were comfortable with and against a set of risks that we now understand very well and can defend to anyone based on scientific evidence. All facts in the book are backed up with specific white-papers which Dr. Sears annotates as you go through the book, so you can cross-reference the research yourself (some vaccines intrigued me more than others).
This is the only resource (including FDA and CDC) that we have found so far that provides a balanced, fair-minded, non-dogmatic approach to the broad topic of vaccination. The reality is made clear: each vaccine is an individual medical treatment, not a component in a holy war. This book if not for parents who are trying to find a new religion, overthrow the government; instead, it's for parents who prefer to proactively make medical decisions based on white papers they have read and understood (e.g. Engineers).
If you don't like making your own spreadsheets, at the end of the book Dr. Sears describes the 4-5 categories most people find themselves in after reading (from fully vaccinating on CDC schedule all the way to no vaccinations at all), and provides specific recommended plans for each category of parent. But don't be lazy; make your own plan as you go. If you want, you can then compare you plan to the various plans Dr. Sears recommends, and if you can't justify why your plan is different than one of the recommended ones, do more research until you can explain those differences confidently. Our plan is slightly different than any recommended in this book, but this book gave us the tools we needed to form our plan with confidence that it is optimal for our daughter.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024Even if your for/against vaccines. I think its a great read for every parent.
Top reviews from other countries
- Amanda RangitschReviewed in Germany on February 8, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars I can’t thank Dr. Bob enough
Thank you so much, Dr. Bob, for consolidating so much information so parents have all the information, good and bad, to make informed decisions. I have so much peace with my decisions after using this book to help inform them. A must read for all vaccine parties.
- K. N.Reviewed in Spain on April 12, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative
In this book, he goes into the plus and minus of each vaccines. Just great if you are looking to create a custom vaccination plan.
- DenaReviewed in Canada on April 10, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars best book on vaccines-the pros and cons
Extremely informative book, giving the pros and cons for vaccination from a doctor that is pro-vaccines (we've read all sorts of books from doctors that were anti-vaccine so we thought we should hear both sides). The book helped illuminate the current problem with the existing vaccine schedules in the US and Canada and provided guidance and alternative schedules for those not comfortable with the current vaccine schedule. This booked further confirmed that we made the right decision not to vaccinate our child, and also provided tips on how to guard our child against these contagious viruses and what are the available treatments for each virus if our child did become infected. Very good book, easy to read for all parents. It should be a must for all parents before making the very important decision on vaccines. I bet a lot of physicians would also learn a lot from this book!
- snailspaceReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 23, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful and balanced.
We have been undecided on whether to vacconate our baby. We found this book very helpful and informative - in terms of providing information about the illnesses (how common/ rare they are; symptoms); vaccine ingredients; why people have the vaccine, why they might not; alternative schedules. Another reviewer has said the book is pro-vaccination and Sears does recommend most of the vaccinations but is not pushy or in the camp of 'your child will die if yu do not do this'. it is respectful that having your child vaccinated can be a diffiult decision for many parents. Note this is based on US research/ vaccination programme - but as a UK resident I still found it very helpful.
- AlanJanReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable information
I bought this book and 4 others about vaccines as I'd heard that Amazon was going to destock them. The mainstream media is controlled by the vaccine makers. Soon Facebook will also be controlled so how can parents make a fully informed choice. That is, assuming they have any choice at all ! It is criminal that we are being denied access to the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. If this comment is moderated out then it will only prove my point.
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