The debate on children receiving vaccines is interesting to me because of the career I would like to have. I want to become a pediatrician, so I'm very concerned about the well-being of children. I strongly believe that vaccinations are the reason while children are living longer. Diseases like polio and measles do not plague many children because of vaccines that have been developed. I am without a doubt a supporter of vaccinations. I will be qualified to write on the topic of children receiving vaccinations because of the research I will gather. I will gather objective research that just explains the purpose of vaccines and the diseases they prevent against. I will also gather information from sources that argue for the use of vaccines and against the use of vaccines.

Dr. Mercola argues against children receiving vaccinations. He actually believes that vaccines do more harm than good. Dr. Mercola blames the increase in Autism cases in recent years on the use of vaccinations. He also believes that alternative medicines and treatments should be utilized instead of vaccinations. Dr. Mercola believes that physicians are not receiving the proper education regarding vaccination risks. He claims that the CDC refuses to investigate any difference in health between vaccinated children and children who do not receive vaccinations. 

Children are the stakeholders for his article. He clearly argues against vaccinating children. Dr. Mercola really places an emphasis on a connection between the amount of Autism cases and vaccinations. He values the use of alternative, more natural methods of treatment. He also values the "right" of parents to decide that vaccinations might not be the best decision for their children.

Dr. Joseph Mercola has been an osteopathic physician for many years. He has been trained in both traditional and natural medicine, so he has firsthand knowledge on both types of treatment. The article that he has written is extremely biased. In fact, there is no mention of any positive aspects of vaccinations. Dr. Mercola sells products geared towards natural food and treatments. A portion of the profits he receives goes to support organizations that advocate for natural foods and holistic medicine.


This article is an informative article. It articulates seven diseases that have been drastically reduced due to the use of vaccinations. Brodwin explains what each of the 7 diseases is and the negative implications they have. She then explains how vaccines have drastically decreased the number of cases. 

Erin Brodwin values the use of vaccinations. She understands that vaccines have been the reason why certain diseases do not thrive like they once did. She's interested in the well-being of children who are still suffering from these diseases. 

Erin Brodwin works as the science editor for Business Insider. During her time at New York's Graduate School of Journalism, virtually all of her writing focused on health and science related topics. She has published articles in scientific journals, as well. There is little to no bias in her article. She never tries to convince readers to receive vaccines. She simply outlines diseases that have been drastically reduced due to the use of vaccinations.


This informative article by the CDC details several studies conducted to determine what link, if any, vaccinations had with Autism. The CDC has determined that there isn't a link between Autism and vaccines. The CDC conducted a study in 2013 that studied the amount of antigens produced by vaccines in children. There was no difference between the number of antigens in children with Autism and those without Autism. The CDC also looked at thimerosal, an ingredient in many vaccines. Nine CDC studies have been conducted since 2003 and none of them found any evidence that thimerosal called Autism.

The CDC aims to provide the most accurate information regarding diseases and illnesses. When the claim that Autism was caused by vaccines was proposed, the CDC sought to determine the truth. The stakeholders are children. Many parents that don't get their children vaccinated cite the link between Autism and vaccines as a reason. 

The CDC is the government agency that aims to protect the citizens of the U.S. from any and all health threats. It conducts research to gain the most accurate information regarding health issues.

Feasibility of Research Question

My research question is arguable because there is a big debate regarding the benefits and risks of vaccinations. Even doctors and scientists have different opinions on vaccinations. Dr. Joseph Mercola has been the biggest opponent for vaccinations among my sources. He claims that Autism is caused by vaccines and that the CDC doesn't conduct enough research. The article I did for ILP 2, written by Kelly Wallace, mentioned the report on the MMR shot and Autism and how it was disproven. In fact, the CDC outlines the research it has conducted on the link between Autism and vaccinations. There is evidence that actually proves vaccinations do not cause Autism. All of the sources I've gathered have made me stand even stronger on my position. I strongly believe children should receive vaccinations.
