Description
A New History of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases: Immunization - Chance and Necessity covers the developments of vaccines and how they have obliterated many fatal diseases and infections over time. The book treads a neutral path but does not avoid discussion. As uncertainty in the outcome of vaccination can only be determined by experiment, the path to vaccine development has been scientifically complex because the immune system and the manner in which humans respond to infection is variable and complex. Finally, the book describes the risks and benefits of vaccines in a visibly objective manner.
- 2023 PROSE Awards - Winner: Finalist: History of Science, Medicine, and Technology: Association of American Publishers
- Gives an objective description of the science behind vaccine discovery
- Presents awareness and discussions on controversies, both past and present
- Provides historical context to the scientific aspects of immunization, including what worked, what didn't, and why
- Written by a scientist with no ‘vested interest’ in vaccine development
- Clears up many misunderstandings for today’s vaccination policies
Table of Contents
1. Infectious disease protection: A historical documentary 2. The scourge of smallpox and the genius of an 18th century country doctor 3. Smallpox vaccination in the 19th century: Obstinacy versus pragmatism 4. The biological origins of infection unveiled 5. Cholera, typhoid, paratyphoid, and plague: A cautious start to a vaccine revolution 6. Diphtheria and tetanus: The discovery of passive immunization 7. The tuberculosis roller coaster: Vaccines and antibiotics 8. The discovery of viruses provides epic challenges for vaccinology 9. Yellow fever, Dengue and Zika: Tropical viral diseases and vaccine development 10. Influenza virus: A scientific and evolutionary chameleon 11. The Polio virus: Its conquest amid inflamed debate and controversy 12. Measles, Mumps and Rubella: Vaccination, mortality, and uncertainty 13. Ebola and Marburg viruses: Modern solutions to life-threatening infections 14. Corona viruses: Immunological challenges of the ‘new’ infections 15. Vaccines are not always perfect: Adverse effects and their clinical impact 16. Vaccination and freedom of choice: The individual and the population 17. Scientific Glossary
