4.65

5

Oct 12, 2016

I think a better title for this book would be "Informed Consent" and that the book should be required reading for ALL parents-to-be. I was confident that I did my homework before both of my kids were born, but there are still things in this book that are eye openers for me. If parents were truly informed with the info in this book, I am sure they would make different decisions for their families.

1

Jan 29, 2018

Dr. Thomas is one of a handful of pediatricians who have tried to position themselves as voices of moderation on the subject of vaccination (along with better-known figures like Bob Sears and Jay Gordon. Like his colleagues, Thomas manages to regurgitate many false antivax tropes and ultimately comes across as deeply antivaccine (for instance, despite authoring a book called "The Vaccine-Friendly Plan", Thomas advises against protecting children against numerous vaccine-preventable diseases Dr. Thomas is one of a handful of pediatricians who have tried to position themselves as voices of moderation on the subject of vaccination (along with better-known figures like Bob Sears and Jay Gordon. Like his colleagues, Thomas manages to regurgitate many false antivax tropes and ultimately comes across as deeply antivaccine (for instance, despite authoring a book called "The Vaccine-Friendly Plan", Thomas advises against protecting children against numerous vaccine-preventable diseases (including rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and chickenpox), while giving unconditional support to only 3 of 13 vaccines recommended for pregnant women, children and teenagers).

Thomas spends a good portion of the book warning parents against vaccine "toxins" (which are actually not toxic at all), while largely ignoring the real toxins (the ones produced by disease organisms). Thomas denounces aluminum (contained in some vaccines as an adjuvant to improve the immune response) and formaldehyde (which may be used in vaccine manufacture to inactivate the infectious agent the vaccine will protect against). What Dr. Thomas doesn't tell readers is that 1) any substance can be toxic depending on dose, including water and oxygen, and that 2) we routinely are exposed to chemicals as part of normal daily living, at doses much higher than what's contained in vaccines, with no harm done. For instance, infants in the first six months of life will get considerably more aluminum from breast milk or infant formula than from all of their recommended vaccinations. You could hardly avoid being exposed to aluminum, since it's one of the most common elements in the earth's crust.
Formaldehyde is made by the human body as a byproduct of normal metabolism - again, in higher amounts than what vaccines contain. Why does Dr. Thomas leave out this information, which is important for parents to know?

Thomas has other bogeymen to scare parents about, including aspartame, fluoridated water and mercury-containing amalgam tooth fillings (he thinks you should get them yanked out). This is nonsense you'd expect to hear from the conspiracy theory set, not a knowledgeable physician.

Thomas criticizes parents who are concerned about childhood illness, calling them "Nervous Nellies", and suggests that they "embrace the fun" of disease (a bizarre attitude for a supposedly caring pediatrician to take). Thomas also attacks health professionals who overwhelmingly reject his views on immunization and health, deriding doctors' "ignorance" and "personal bias" (Thomas has a very undeveloped sense of irony).

Readers can decide for themselves if Thomas is truly a Brave Maverick setting himself at odds with most of the rest of his profession out of concern for children, or a fringe practitioner basking in minor celebrity status while pushing dangerous misinformation. ...more

5

Oct 20, 2017

I drug my feet at first about reading this book because I thought it was going to be another boring text-book type read. Not so! While it does cite great research, it is well written and easy to work through. I highly recommend it! Dr. Paul has great insight into which vaccines are being pushed by pharmaceuticals to make money (i.e.: why are we giving our newborns a vaccine for an STD if their parents don't have this disease?) and which ones are really important for kids to get, as well as a I drug my feet at first about reading this book because I thought it was going to be another boring text-book type read. Not so! While it does cite great research, it is well written and easy to work through. I highly recommend it! Dr. Paul has great insight into which vaccines are being pushed by pharmaceuticals to make money (i.e.: why are we giving our newborns a vaccine for an STD if their parents don't have this disease?) and which ones are really important for kids to get, as well as a much better schedule than the CDC recommends. ...more

5

Dec 07, 2018

As an expectant mom, I found it so hard to find information on vaccines that wasn’t on either end of the extreme. I wanted to know the details of each vaccine, its ingredients, effectiveness, side effects, and why the CDC recommends it at a specific time. I heard Dr. Paul on the Birthful podcast and immediately went to buy his book, and I’m so grateful I did. I so appreciate his thoughtful, well-researched approach to vaccination that he can support through decades of pediatric practice. This As an expectant mom, I found it so hard to find information on vaccines that wasn’t on either end of the extreme. I wanted to know the details of each vaccine, its ingredients, effectiveness, side effects, and why the CDC recommends it at a specific time. I heard Dr. Paul on the Birthful podcast and immediately went to buy his book, and I’m so grateful I did. I so appreciate his thoughtful, well-researched approach to vaccination that he can support through decades of pediatric practice. This book provides holistic approach to how to keep your baby as healthy as possible, with (certain) vaccines being a part of that approach. If you’re as confused as I was, READ THIS BOOK. I feel so much more empowered and informed! ...more

4

Jun 04, 2017

Dr Thomas tells us that in medical school, students learn the history and importance of vaccines, but not the composition of vacinnes. After following the CDC guidelines and noticing some adverse reactions including autism in his patients, Dr Thomas set out to find the levels of mercury and aluminium in each vaccine (which he states) and gives a fair assessment of the pros and cons of each vaccine. I like how he has put together a list of recommended and/or delayed vaccinations.

He also gives a Dr Thomas tells us that in medical school, students learn the history and importance of vaccines, but not the composition of vacinnes. After following the CDC guidelines and noticing some adverse reactions including autism in his patients, Dr Thomas set out to find the levels of mercury and aluminium in each vaccine (which he states) and gives a fair assessment of the pros and cons of each vaccine. I like how he has put together a list of recommended and/or delayed vaccinations.

He also gives a fair bit of parenting advice... I would have preferred he stick to the vaccine side of things (there are plenty of parenting books out there). Nonetheless this was an incredibly helpful read for me as I consider my child's health and vaccination schedule. ...more

5

Apr 01, 2017

Fascinating. I really appreciated this middle of the road approach opposed to the far swinging opposites of "vaccines do no harm" and the "vaccines are harmful" stances.

5

Jan 21, 2018

Informative and interesting read. Loved the no nonsense approach and unbiased, fact-based position Dr. Paul provided for every age group. Helpful quick reference at the end of each section.

5

Oct 20, 2016

Having been researching vaccines and immunity for more than 10 years now, since before my first child was born, I was fairly familiar with a lot of the material covered in this book. That said, I have never found a single resource to be so comprehensive and clear on the subject.

The authors don't pull any punches. If a vaccine appears to be more dangerous than the disease itself, or if the chances of an adverse vaccine reaction are greater than the chances of contracting the disease, they Having been researching vaccines and immunity for more than 10 years now, since before my first child was born, I was fairly familiar with a lot of the material covered in this book. That said, I have never found a single resource to be so comprehensive and clear on the subject.

The authors don't pull any punches. If a vaccine appears to be more dangerous than the disease itself, or if the chances of an adverse vaccine reaction are greater than the chances of contracting the disease, they recommend against it. If the chances of communicating a disease (like Hepatitis B or tetanus) are nil in a school environment, they take issue with government mandates to require those vaccinations for school entry.

Dr. Thomas also shares a lot of stories of patients he's seen over 20 years of pediatric practice. Those personal stories complement the aggregate data that his practice collected over the years to give both a human and scientific approach to the recommendations. And the authors are also clearly fluent in all the research conducted on vaccines - - and, importantly, the research LACKING around vaccines (ie, comparing vaccinated vs. wholly unvaccinated populations or comparing vaccine side effects to proper placebo controls, not against other vaccine side effects).

Most importantly, the authors take a larger perspective about how to improve the immune health of children - - with specific details about a whole foods diet and attendance to gut health as well as reduction of exposure to other environmental toxins.

Many people coming upon the vaccine discussion for the first time don't realize the vast difference between the current CDC recommendations and those from even 20 years ago. This book makes that abundantly clear, while still giving practical grounded recommendations for parents (most of whom are exhausted taking care of their infants) to help them have informed conversations with their medical practitioners to make the best decisions for their children. (It's also great information to quote to questioning friends and family.)

The reminders in the book that we, as parents, are the most knowledgeable about the health of our children, as well as the best positioned to advocate for their best interests, are a call to action which is particularly stark in the face of government attempts to wrest that control from us. ...more

5

September 24, 2017

We will forever be thankful for Dr Paul's research and guidance. I only wish I knew about his plan during pregnancy

1

February 8, 2018

If aluminum and mercury are nerve toxins, why would anyone think it’s safe to inject them into a baby? Ever heard of Learn The Risk?

5

Jul 15, 2017

A super helpful overview to get future or new parents in a place where they feel like they have a foundation of knowledge to make good decisions about their child's life and health.

There is a lot of decisions to make and having a straight forward guide is truly welcome.

4

Jun 24, 2018

Read chapter 12 first!

This is a well-written book with 306 research-based citations. Even though it was published in 2016, Dr. Paul has since update his recommendations as far as what to get and what to skip.

He has recommendations that I disagree with, but I’m comfortable with the research I’ve done to come to those decisions.

5

Jul 28, 2017

If you only read one book as a parent PLEASE make it this book! I loved absolutely everything Dr. Paul said. This book was not only extremely well written with lots of great information but it was very well researched.

Even if you have your mind made up about vaccines (for or against) I think you will find this book helpful. He talks about much more than just vaccines. He talks a lot about toxins in general and has helpful and practical information on how to limit your exposure to them.

I have If you only read one book as a parent PLEASE make it this book! I loved absolutely everything Dr. Paul said. This book was not only extremely well written with lots of great information but it was very well researched.

Even if you have your mind made up about vaccines (for or against) I think you will find this book helpful. He talks about much more than just vaccines. He talks a lot about toxins in general and has helpful and practical information on how to limit your exposure to them.

I have as hooked after the first chapter and hi-lighted half the book. This will be a book I reference many times throughout my child's life. Hands down the best book for parents out there.

...more

5

May 26, 2017

I really enjoyed this book. Of course, the topic of vaccines is always a controversial one, but I felt like this book was a great middle of the road. As other reviewers pointed out, the title could have been something different like "Raising a Healthy Child" and it probably would have more readers. The book covered vaccines but it also presented a lot of parenting information regarding diet, raising a reader, etc. It echoed a lot of the sentiments that my pediatrician has told us for years- I really enjoyed this book. Of course, the topic of vaccines is always a controversial one, but I felt like this book was a great middle of the road. As other reviewers pointed out, the title could have been something different like "Raising a Healthy Child" and it probably would have more readers. The book covered vaccines but it also presented a lot of parenting information regarding diet, raising a reader, etc. It echoed a lot of the sentiments that my pediatrician has told us for years- avoid tylenol before and after vaccines, do not depend on antibiotics as a cure-all, food as medicine. I look forward to other books by this doctor. ...more

4

Aug 25, 2019

Finding this book makes me feel betrayed by all those I discussed this issue with as this was everything I was looking for and more. Super helpful resource which is up to date and does not tout itself as being the only answer.

5

Sep 02, 2019

Finally! I've been seeking solid science backed information on vaccines, not just another Doctor telling me to shut up and fully vaccinate. This book has answered.

Dr. Paul seems to be an intellectual doctor, seeking truth for patients out of a deep place of caring. He has done what doctors do to keep on top of new evidence and practices in all aspects of health; that is to research, read, and evaluate based on peer reviewed studies/research, other doctors experiences, and writings. Within his Finally! I've been seeking solid science backed information on vaccines, not just another Doctor telling me to shut up and fully vaccinate. This book has answered.

Dr. Paul seems to be an intellectual doctor, seeking truth for patients out of a deep place of caring. He has done what doctors do to keep on top of new evidence and practices in all aspects of health; that is to research, read, and evaluate based on peer reviewed studies/research, other doctors experiences, and writings. Within his practice, paying real attention to his own patients through the years, has given him a uniquely evidence based outlook.

All his other points and advice on parenting are a great bonus and speak to the holistic look he takes at peoples lives. This book will definitely be kept safely in our library for reference throughout the next several years. ...more

5

Oct 01, 2019

As a mother, I have felt for a while that I needed to do my own research on vaccines. While I don't agree with every single word in here about other parenting topics, the information about vaccines was super enlightening and helpful. Dr Paul provides factual information about each vaccine in the CDC recommended schedule: understanding about the disease and it's prevalence, history and ingredients of each vaccine, the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, and his recommendation. He also understands As a mother, I have felt for a while that I needed to do my own research on vaccines. While I don't agree with every single word in here about other parenting topics, the information about vaccines was super enlightening and helpful. Dr Paul provides factual information about each vaccine in the CDC recommended schedule: understanding about the disease and it's prevalence, history and ingredients of each vaccine, the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, and his recommendation. He also understands that immunity and health doesn't only come from vaccinations, but from living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding toxins. In the past, while hearing vaccination arguments from both sides, I have felt lots of fear-mongering and scare tactics, and highly fanatical viewpoints that don't recognize the truth of what the other side might be saying. I am left feeling fearful that I'll never be able to find the truth. Reading this book has made me feel more empowered and educated as a mother. While I still continue my vaccination research, I feel like I have a more clear plan for my family that feels right to me and I don't feel fear about it. I recommend this book to any parent who wants to know more about vaccinations and other health topics for their children. ...more

5

Sep 16, 2019

I'm 63 and my child is 34. Why did I purchase this book and read every page, with the same intensity as I studied back in college? It's because I am a health care provider and I'm very concerned about the poor health of our children. ADHD, asthma, serious food allergies, other neurological and psychiatric disorders are far more prevalent today than they were when I was first licensed back in 1976. We all need to research and find out what some of the potential causes of harm might be. We I'm 63 and my child is 34. Why did I purchase this book and read every page, with the same intensity as I studied back in college? It's because I am a health care provider and I'm very concerned about the poor health of our children. ADHD, asthma, serious food allergies, other neurological and psychiatric disorders are far more prevalent today than they were when I was first licensed back in 1976. We all need to research and find out what some of the potential causes of harm might be. We especially need to listen to the parents of vaccine injured children. These parents are not anti-vaxxers, they are ex-vaxxers. Their children were damaged at an obvious point and time, they frequently have videos to show the child before a vaccine and then after. It's chilling.

As Dr. Thomas so thoroughly explains, some vaccines are safer than others. Some diseases are more serious than others. Buy the book and listen to the wisdom of this knowledgeable and experienced pediatrician. I gift it now to every new parent. ...more

0

The benefits and risks of childhood vaccines remains a controversy in the public forum if not entirely in the medical community. Here, pediatrician and father of ten Thomas, with investigative ...Full Review

4

Aug 17, 2017

A good book on pregnancy and parenting that goes far beyond vaccines. While there were things that I didn't agree with (or did t agree to the same extent that the author states) I found this book to be full of valuable information. I enjoyed how each chapter was dedicated to a specific time in the child's life from the mother's pregnancy, delivery, first few weeks then onto the first year, toddler age, preschool age and ending with teenagers.

4

Feb 09, 2019

Interesting read. When I first started reading the book, I ended up freaked out that we're killing ourselves with toxins. It isn't just a vaccine book. It covers parenting, nutrition, and health by age stages. Not a popular book at present with the measles outbreak. He does recommend the MMR vaccine, just at 3 instead of 2 because it is a hefty vaccine. In 1983, the CDC recommended 13 vaccines between 0-18 years old. In 2016, it was 52. Worth looking at.

5

May 31, 2018

This book isn't just about vaccines, but about all the things that will make your children healthy. Thomas's information and recommendations on vaccines are a must-read. You might not agree with him, but as a Pediatrician and a child who grew up in Africa and whose best friend died of measles, his views are balanced, researched, and based on a lot of experience, and they will make your own decisions better regardless of what you choose.

5

Aug 16, 2019

What an incredibly valuable resource! I feel so grateful to have Dr. Paul Thomas as our pediatrician. His approach to vaccines is well-balanced....he thinks they’re important but they’re not one-size-fits-all. The topic of vaccinating safely is just one of many topics in this book. I highly recommend that every parent read it....preferably before pregnancy. I wish it was available back when I was pregnant with my first child!

3

Aug 07, 2019

Ironically, this book was more about walking parents through pregnancy, infants, toddlers and teenagers from a pediatrician’s perspective of what they are looking for at each doctor visit. He also tries to give middle of the road approaches to vaccines but I wish there were better sources in general than just his own practice but I get it there aren’t a lot of studies.

5

Nov 11, 2019

There is so much misinformation or just lack of information these days in regards to pregnancy and the ensuing 18 years. Dr. Paul Thomas provides a fantastic book of less-known information and has helped my family and I make better decisions than we could've made without his dedication to health and protecting our children.