The effectiveness of vaccinations has been proven on multiple occasions: the chickenpox vaccine has been mandated by the State of California for every child before they enter any public school (either kindergarten or preschool). There have been no reported cases of chickenpox in schools ever since this vaccination was mandated. When it comes to side effects from vaccinations you are very safe, you are 12,000 times more likely to get struck by lightning than you are to experience serious or even fatal side effects from a vaccine. While there are trace amounts of potentially harmful chemicals in vaccines, there are no more than there are in the processed foods that you eat every day. In fact, vaccines are subjected to a 6 step safety process that can take up to 10 years to complete: it involves extensive clinical testing, multiple lab tests, careful examination of all results, and inspections of the facilities where the vaccines are developed. In conclusion, there is definitive proof of the safety of vaccines and proof as to why you should vaccinate yourself and your children, but ultimately it is your choice; so educate yourself and make your own