You’ve probably heard of the Red Book, the Yellow Book and maybe even the Pink Book, but have you heard of the Purple Book? Written by Gary Marshall, Professor of Pediatrics, Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases and Director, Pediatric Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Louisville, School of Medicine, the Purple Book is a handy comprehensive reference for clinicians. Formally titled The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, this useful guide was recently published in its 5th edition.

The book is divided into two main sections:

  • General principles of vaccinology – Comprising the first eight chapters of the book, this section is a great tool for both those new to vaccines as well as those who have been dealing with vaccines and the changes to the vaccine schedule for years. From basic immunology, schedules, and vaccine concerns to vaccine recommendations and how vaccines are made, this section contains a wealth of information and several useful tables and figures.
  • Diseases and vaccines - Chapters 9 through 29 each address a vaccine-preventable disease. The chapters describe the disease-causing agent and features of the disease as well as available vaccines and vaccine features.

One of the useful features of the book is its small size, about 4” x 7.5,” making it perfect for keeping handy in the office.

Published by Professional Communications, Inc., the book is also available through Amazon.

Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.

You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.