Based on the title, I expected On Immunity: An Inoculation by Eula Biss to delve into the biochemistry of immunity, but after a few pages it was clear that this narrative detailed a young mother trying to negotiate the first four years of raising a hyperallergenic baby.
Biss’s quest for information leads her to reference the vociferous anti-vaccine advocates citing junk science on the risks of vaccination, and to weigh these against reports from health-care providers, including her MD father.
The author points out that vaccines are unique therapeutics: The cost to develop and manufacture them is high, but the number of doses can be as low as one per individual per lifetime, which is very different from drugs such as statins, antidepressants and antibiotics, some of which may be used daily for years.
Biss reports on her journey through the smokescreen put out the anti-vaccination counterculture. She explores conscientious objectors and their obligations as members of the herd. Eventually she sees that immunity is a jewel with many facets, some of which entail some small risk.
For most of us, the benefits of vaccination clearly outweigh the risks, but Biss has a hyperallergenic baby. Can she, in good conscience, omit any of the many vaccines that are recommended for an infant today? But what if her baby is the one in a thousand, or ten thousand or ten million? What are the obligations of a member of society and how are they calculated against the possible idiosyncrasies associated with a potentially highly vulnerable individual?
I’ve never paid much attention to junk science, to the point that I am uninformed as to the claims they make. Biss’s book has opened my eyes as to how unsubstantiated claims can lead to fear, uncertainty and doubts in the lay public. I’m now better prepared to respond to their fears.
I recommend On Immunity to other scientists: We are a unique part of the herd. We need to stick up for good science, including admitting that we may not know it all, but we endeavor to learn.
A tip for those who read the book: The notes at the end add color and depth to the chapters. Unfortunately, they are not end-noted in the text. It may be better to read them first.
Robert L. Stevenson, Ph.D., is Editor Emeritus, American Laboratory/Labcompare; e-mail: [email protected].