Must-Reads for the Thoughtful Parent: Vaccine Edition

If you’ve ever found yourself deep in research mode about vaccines—whether you’re expecting a baby, raising young kids, or simply rethinking what you were taught—you’re not alone. At Jennings Health, I meet so many proactive parents who want to understand why a vaccine is recommended, what the risks and benefits are, and how to make the right decision for their family. That’s why I’ve pulled together this list of my most recommended books on vaccines.

These books cover everything from historical perspectives to current debates, from personal stories to rigorous scientific analyses. Whether you're just beginning to question the status quo or you're looking to go even deeper, there’s something here for you.

Note: Many of these links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I truly stand behind.

Jennings Health’s Vaccine Book Recommendations:

• Well Considered: A Handbook for Making Informed Medical Decisions by Just the Inserts

  
  

  This is a resource guide for anyone navigating the healthcare system with intention. Balanced, empowering, and refreshingly non-dogmatic. Follow @justtheinserts for more information!

• Between a Shot and a Hard Place by Joel Warsh, MD

  
  

  An integrative pediatrician’s guide to navigating vaccine decisions with clarity and compassion.

• Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines, and the Forgotten History by Suzanne Humphries, MD & Roman Bystrianyk

  
  

  This book dives into the historical narratives we’ve been told about vaccines and public health. Essential reading if you’ve ever wondered whether our current practices are based on myth or fact.

• Turtles All The Way Down: Vaccine Science and Myth by Anonymous (Zoey O'Toole, Mary Holland, Eds.)

  
  

  Meticulously referenced, this book takes a data-driven look at the science we’re not hearing about in mainstream conversations.

• Vax Facts: What to Consider Before Vaccinating at All Ages & All Stages of Life by Paul Thomas, MD & DeeDee Hoover

  
  

  Have you heard of Paul Thomas' Vaccine-Friendly Plan? This follow-up is a highly practical, age-by-age breakdown of vaccine considerations, with updates to his suggestions and conclusions.

• The Moth in the Iron Lung: A Biography of Polio by Forrest Maready

  
  

  A fascinating deep dive into the polio epidemic that challenges conventional wisdom and reframes how we understand disease causation and public response.

• Unavoidably Unsafe: Childhood Vaccines Reconsidered by Edward Geehr, MD & Jeffrey Barke, MD

  
  

  Straight from two conventionally trained physicians who take a fresh look at vaccine safety, liability, and ethical concerns. A thoughtful, courageous contribution.

• Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. & Brian Hooker, PhD

  
  

  This compilation of comparative studies explores what we know—and what we don’t—about vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations. A valuable resource for those who want to see the data laid out plainly.

No matter where you are in your vaccine decision-making process, I hope these resources help you feel more informed and empowered. You deserve thoughtful, respectful, and evidence-based care—and that starts with being equipped to ask better questions.

Supporting you every step of the way,

Stef, NP

Stefanie Jennings, FNP-C, IFMCP

Jennings Health – Integrative Primary Care for Children and Their Families

www.jennings.health