VACCINES
By John Leake and Peter A. McCullough
Publisher: Skyhorse/Children’s Health Defense
An assessment of the history of vaccinations and an argument that the benefits of certain vaccines have been exaggerated by some.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
"Vaccines: Mythology, Ideology, and Reality" by John Leake and Peter A. McCullough is a 240-page tome published on July 29, 2025, by Skyhorse Publishing. ([skyhorsepublishing.com](https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/good-books/9781648211898/vaccines/?utm_source=openai)) The book purports to dissect the narratives surrounding vaccines, aiming to separate fact from fiction.
Peter A. McCullough, a former cardiologist, has been a polarizing figure in the medical community. His promotion of misinformation and conspiracy theories about COVID-19 treatments and vaccines led to the revocation of his board certifications by the American Board of Internal Medicine in January 2025. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_A._McCullough?utm_source=openai)) This background casts a long shadow over the book's credibility.
The book's central thesis challenges the efficacy and safety of vaccines, aligning with McCullough's controversial stance during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the arguments presented are often based on discredited studies and anecdotal evidence, lacking the rigorous scientific methodology that underpins reputable medical literature.
Furthermore, the book appears to ignore the overwhelming consensus within the scientific community regarding the benefits of vaccination. By cherry-picking data and presenting it without proper context, the authors contribute to the spread of misinformation, which can have dire public health consequences.
In contrast, works like Paul Offit's "Autism's False Prophets" and Brian Deer's "The Doctor Who Fooled the World" provide well-researched, evidence-based analyses of vaccine controversies, debunking myths with scientific rigor. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism%27s_False_Prophets?utm_source=openai)) These books serve as valuable resources for readers seeking factual information on the subject.
In conclusion, "Vaccines: Mythology, Ideology, and Reality" is a misleading and potentially harmful publication that undermines public trust in vaccination programs. Readers are advised to approach this book with extreme caution and to consult more reliable sources for information on vaccines.
Recommendation: Not recommended.
written on: 8/7/2025