In the wake of Covid-19, this book is a great first introduction as to what vaccines are, how scientists first developed them and information about the Covid-19 vaccination, and other serious illnesses including malaria. The book includes the science behind germs and the immune system, the first inoculations performed in China using smallpox scabs, details of the early adopters of inoculation such as Lady Montagu in Europe and Cotton Mather in the USA, moving to Edward Jenner and the creation of the first vaccine.

As well as the history of vaccines, the book looks at the modern science and issues around vaccines, covering topics such as how you vaccinate the world, herd immunity, vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaxxers. The text is illustrated with archive and modern photography.

'There are plenty of bite-sized nuggets to capture the attention and the plentiful images will provoke many questions from curious readers ... A valuable and interesting introduction to a very relevant topic.'

Elizabeth Lockwood, Head of Biology, The King's School, Canterbury for the English Association.