Vaccine: a preparation of killed microorganisms, live attenuated organisms, or fully virulent live organisms, administered to produce or artificially increase immunity against a particular disease (“Vaccine”. Merriam -Webster.com.) Most parents trust their pediatrician or family doctor more than anyone else when it comes to their child's health. However, many parents are beginning to question their doctor's advice when it comes to vaccinating their children. After countless accusations about the harmful effects of childhood vaccinations, some parents have decided to no longer vaccinate their children, thereby putting not only their child, but the entire human population at risk. In 1796, Edward Jenner created a vaccine developed from the cowpox virus. He then administered this vaccine to a 13-year-old boy suffering from smallpox. The boy became immune to smallpox and Jenner was named the founding father of vaccination. After its discovery, vaccines were then created against cholera, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough and polio. (“A Brief History of Vaccination”). Vaccines are the only government-mandated health procedure. Indeed, the government has found that it can take weeks for the body to naturally protect itself against disease. This can lead to serious progression or spread of diseases that can not only harm an individual, but also the public around them. It then becomes too dangerous to rely solely on natural immunity. The purpose of vaccines is to “trick” the body into developing antibodies that can fight disease and protect a person before they get sick or show signs of illness. ("Understanding how vaccines work.")The controversy surrounding vaccinations originally arose from a discovery...... in the middle of an article... common to 1/150. Some say this is no coincidence, as immune disorders are often caused by environmental factors. When many people think of the vaccine controversy, they think of autism. Studies have shown that autism is caused by chemical toxins and impacts the brain, immune system and gut. Children only developed these symptoms after being vaccinated. Autism and mercury poisoning have almost identical symptoms, indicating that thermisol is a contributing factor to increases in autism. (“Know…the Vaccine Controversy.”) Parents also believe they deserve the right to choose which medications are injected into their child for religious reasons. Forcing someone to perform an act in violation of their religion is a violation of the 1st Amendment of the Constitution. (“Know… The Vaccine Controversy”.)