On Wednesday, January 27, 2021, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will be hosting a ‘Hear Me Out’ discussion about the COVID-19 vaccine, featuring a Q and A with a public health specialist.
And there’s a lot to talk about. Misinformation has contributed to a growing fear of vaccines in general, which has led to the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles.
Others are concerned about side effects and safety. And some marginalized folks, particularly in the Black community, struggle with a mistrust of medical professionals rooted in contemporary and historical racism and prejudice.
Along with the ‘Hear Me Out’ dialogue, these books will help you understand the science behind vaccines; the debates surrounding their use; the diseases they prevent; and their sometimes-troubling history.
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Interviews with parents alternate with accounts from pediatricians and public policy makers to explore what parents fear about vaccines, how those fears may be addressed, and the consequences of preventable diseases.
Infectious disease expert Offit addresses the claims of high-profile anti-vaccine advocates with scientific studies and personal medical anecdotes. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
A polio survivor recounts her experiences with the disease, including its sometimes-brutal early treatment, and the personal consequences of her disability.
An analysis of the 40-year Tuskegee Syphilis Study, in which African American men were promised treatment for syphilis but received none. You can also check out this title as eBook on Hoopla.
Skloot recounts the life of African American cancer patient and mother Henrietta Lacks, from whom doctors extracted tissue without her knowledge, and explores the brilliant and devastating consequences that medical exploitation brought upon Lacks’ family and the world. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby or as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby.
Journalist Mnookin debunks misinformation, including the claim that vaccines cause autism. You can also check out this title as eAudio on Hoopla.
Internal medicine specialist Link provides a history of vaccination, explains the immune system, and describes various vaccines as well as their risks and effectiveness.
Largent explores the fears, misinformation and concerns surrounding vaccination. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.