Edward Jenner performed the first vaccination in 1796 in England, using cowpox matter to immunize a child against smallpox. His work laid the foundation for modern vaccination. Today, children receive a series of vaccinations for diseases like hepatitis B, diphtheria, and measles between birth and school age. However, some parents choose not to vaccinate due to disproven fears about side effects and links to autism, putting their own and other children's health at risk. While no vaccine is completely without risk, studies show the risks of contracting diseases without vaccination far outweigh any vaccine side effects.