Vaxxers: A Pioneering Moment in Scientific History

Sarah and Cath and their wonderful teams who have worked 24/7 on the development of this vaccine have saved millions of lives. This is totally awe-inspiring and I (as a retired Paediatric Oncologist) along with many, many others are eternally grateful. Thank you all.

I purchased this book when the story of how the Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine had been created was given air time by the BBC. Based on this and how the Vaccine came to fruition by two amazing ladies fronting a dedicated team of scientists I just had to purchase this book. Would I be blinded by science? Would this read be far too technical for me? Would I just give up after the first couple of chapters? Absolutely Not. Both Professor Sarah Gilbert and Dr Catherine Green ( Vaxxers ) writing in what can only be described as a simplified explanation to the layperson such as I and many others. I have never read a book of this magnitude about a Vaccine for a life threatening worldwide decease. Those who are lucky to be alive thanks to the O.A.V should read about those amazing people who made a Vaccine not only for the U.K but for the rest the of world. I hope the Doubting Thomas’s including those politicians and others who poured scorn about a Vaccine that would save millions of lives purchase this book.

I was severely disappointed with this book. I was hoping for a really exciting tale of a race against a virus which threatens to wipe out humanity. But it gets very bogged down with the science and the sense of urgency is lost. I appreciate that the science must be included, but the authors have not learnt the trick of making it simple so that the reader gets the point quickly, and does not lose main thread of the story. A serious editing job is required to make the main issue stand out - a new procedure is required to produce a workable vaccine which can be scaled up so that billions of doses can be made within months. Instead of which we get pages and pages of near-incomprehensible scientific method. An opportunity missed.

I have met true heroes in my previous life,having served 22 years in the military. These two ladies have now with their teams and others have joined that list, This book should be given to all anti vaxxers. These ladies and their colleagues should be given the highest honour we as a country can bestow on them , But we won't most probably a actor ,or footballer, will deserve it more . Ladies you have my undying gratitude THANKS

Loved it, such a thrilling story of a group of scientists who have worked so hard and saved so many lives! Also like that it’s easily accessible and not too ‘sciencey.’