Anti/Vax

I think Hausman did a great job with explaining the subtle differences in arguments for the pro/anti-vax movements. It's well researched and humanly explained.

nti/vax: Reframing the Vaccination Controversy
BY BERNICE L. HAUSMAN.
ILR Press
Cornell University Press 2019, 296 pp.
Published April 15th 2019

The topic of vaccination has long been a contentious issue, sparking heated debate between opponents and proponents for vaccination. Hausman has dedicated nearly thirty years studying medical controversies, and close to a decade researching on the vaccination controversy. This topic of vaccination and medicalisation has personal resonance for her as she openly shares throughout her book.

The immunization dilemma is a very relevant topic of public discourse, not only from a medical perspective but also from a social and personal responsibility angle. Hausman dedicates a couple of chapters in her book discussing the views of authors of pro-vaccination books, that gave general readers the impression that vaccine skeptic parents are easily manipulated and are posing a major risk to the mainstream community. Hausman poses the question whether people who refuse to vaccinate are denying science and the value of modern medicine. Hausman surmises in these chapters whom people can trust. How much to trust is at the crux of the vaccination controversy.

Hausman does not deny that medicines and vaccinations can benefit society, however, she encourages the reader to pause and evaluate if all medicines and vaccinations are necessary when promoted by the pharmaceutical companies, recommended by the government and prescribed by their local general practitioner. This is then further compounded by the distortion of reporting by the media regarding vaccinations and pharmaceuticals in general. Hausman points out that there are questions surrounding the issues of over diagnosing and over treatment based on corrupt and greedy motives of the responsible parties.

Anti/vax is a well thought out book that provides a fair stance on vaccination, carefully presenting both sides of the narrative. That goes beyond just scientific or medical evidence by examining and discussing the social and cultural components of the controversy.

Anti/vax is an intelligently written book but in certain sections of the book, it can appear for some general readers too academic as if it’s thesis dissertation. In particular, it may not be suitable or appealing for the average less educated reader, for instance the average housewife. Although, the topic of vaccine skepticism is interesting and very relevant in today’s society, the book at times lacks the ability to keep the general reader’s attention, once again due to the heaviness of the academic data. However, Hausman provides a thorough and well researched discourse on the vaccine controversy, particularly on vaccine skepticism.

Hausman concludes that although medicine has its value and place in modern society, it has also shown to have its limitations to diminish twenty-first century sickness and disease due to resistance of various drugs and antibiotics.

Hausman’s book Anti/vax can contribute to creating a better dialogue and more understanding interaction between the two opposing parties, even if they still personally stand firm in their respective beliefs for or against vaccination. Possibly helping to ease the stigma of vaccine skeptic parents, as being irresponsible just because they have chosen not to vaccinate their child.

Anti/vax is a much needed book to help individuals and society to understand the deeper reasons behind a vaccine skeptic’s refusal to conform to pharmaceutical expectations.

Love that someone finally came to the front with a civilized and educated look at the vax debate. Nothing is all good and nothing is all bad. I think Hausman really shows the reader this grey area that exists and raises important questions for both sides to consider.

This was a well researched and balanced book that I feel comfortable recommending to everyone. I am 100% pro-vaccination and vaccinate my own children (ages 4 and 2) but I don't like a lot of the hostility towards the anti vax parents. Mocking them and calling them stupid only further isolates them and validates some of their fears. It's not just their fear of autism but a distrust of pharmaceutical companies and different view of risk, amongst other things. I like how the author isn't exploring the efficacy of vaccination, but focusing on the people involved in this debate and why we all feel the way we do.