Plotkin’s Vaccines, 8th Edition

By: Walter A. Orenstein, Paul A. Offit, Kathryn M. Edwards, and Stanely A. Plotkin 

ISBN: 9780323790581 

Publication Date: April 3, 2023 

Reviewer: Bradford Becken, MD (University of Nebraska Medical Center) 

Description 

This book covers the history, immunology, innovative technology, and public health impacts of vaccines, and includes chapters dedicated to each of the commonly used vaccines. Moreover, the title includes a companion eBook that contains late-breaking information on topics such as Mpox, not contained within the print version. This eighth edition is an update to the previous version, published in 2017, which was prior to the widespread use of mRNA vaccines and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. 

Purpose 

The book aims to summarize the history, science, and current state of vaccines while exploring modern technologies that can impact vaccine development and administration. While vaccines remain one of the main drivers in reducing the morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases and certain types of cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV), they continue to face questions regarding their development, safety, efficacy, and purpose. The book enables readers to expand their knowledge of vaccines beyond routine clinical practice, and thus remain good stewards of vaccines and tackle tough questions that may arise. The breadth of information and presentation ensures that the book meets its objectives. 

Audience 

The book is written for practitioners, both in primary care and specialty fields such as immunology and infectious diseases, as well as researchers in the associated basic sciences. Students interested in vaccines, immunology, and infectious diseases, as well as those who work in the fields of public health and public policy, will find this work informative as well. The book easily meets the needs of readers who may face questions regarding a vaccine, not only from the information contained within but also from the stature of the authors and contributors who helped to produce this volume. 

Features 

No clinician masters all vaccines. Thus, to support clinicians, vaccine-specific chapters address topics such as the history of a disease, prior and current vaccines for that disease, the immunology pertinent to vaccines, components of the vaccines, and the use and effects that a given vaccine has in general and special populations. Moreover, the book contains helpful illustrations that reinforce the data and concepts contained within the text. 

Assessment 

This book is a high-quality text, both in its content and presentation, and will be a useful resource for clinicians and scientists who want to expand their knowledge regarding vaccines as well as those who want a desk reference for vaccine-related questions. While this is a large and dense book, the information is needed to adequately address the numerous facets of vaccines. 

©Doody’s Review Service, 2023. Bradford Becken, MD (University of Nebraska Medical Center), Doody’s Score: 100 – 5 Stars! 

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