A Pox Upon You! By Danielle

 
The recent media attention surrounding a presidential candidate’s statement about a vaccine makes “Pox : an American history” by Michael Willrich a timely acquisition for the Stillwater Public Library.  By describing the views and tactics of anti-vaccine advocates who feared an increasingly large government, this book chronicles how America's war on smallpox during the Progressive Era sparked one of the twentieth century's leading civil liberties battles.  For those interested in history, science, politics, race, and culture, it’s a fascinating, well researched book.  

When faced with medical advice questions, such as “who do you trust?,” librarians are taught to offer this advice--look at reliable sources.  What is a reliable source?  Ideal sources include published sources like medical journals, recognized textbooks written by experts in the field or medical guidelines produced by nationally or internationally reputable experts.  One other important factor when reading medical information is to make sure it’s current, and in some cases not older than one year. 

If vaccines are a subject matter you would like additional information on, here are a few current selections from Stillwater Public Library. 

·              “Vaccine: the controversial story of medicine's greatest lifesaver” by Arthur Allen. “An account of vaccination's miraculous, inflammatory past and its uncertain future.”

·             “Deadly choices :how the anti-vaccine movement threatens us all” by Paul A. Offit.  “The story of anti-vaccine activity in America, its origins, leaders, influences, and impact.”

·             “The vaccine book: making the right decision for your child" by Robert W. Sears.  “Dr. Bob Sears provides an in-depth look at each disease/vaccine pair and covers everything you need to know.”

·             “Sexually transmitted diseases” by Lauri S. Friedman and Jennifer L. Skancke, book editors.  “Introducing issues with opposing viewpoints.” 

·             “The great influenza :the epic story of the deadliest plague in history” by John M. Barry.  "This crisis provides us with a precise and sobering model as we confront the epidemics looming on our own horizon."