Vaccines and Public school

Socialworkgirl · August 2013

So, I just found out that in my state (Texas), you can fill out a form requesting exemption from vaccinations for reasons of conscience in order to still attend public school. Are other states like this? Thoughts?

It wasn't clear on the website if there were any particular hurdles related to justifying your reason of conscience. I just don't think I am supportive of this. I think if you choose to opt out of vaccines, you shouldn't be able to put my kid at risk. Obviously, if a kid has a medical condition that makes vaccines dangerous, that is very different. But it really bothers me that some people don't vaccinate and plan to rely on herd immunity. If everyone made that decision, there is no longer herd immunity.

If you have major issues with vaccines, fine. I disagree with you, but there isn't anything I can do about it, and I respect your right to make medical decisions for your kids. But I don't think you should be able to send your kids to public school.

Hollylb3 · August 2013

Yep, here in KY you can do that too. A lady at my church said she had to fill out a bunch of paperwork to get her daughter in preschool, and that she'd probably homeschool due in part to all the hassle. Sigh.

She also asked if I had DS vaccinated and if I breastfed when I mentioned that he's reaching his physical developmental milestones slowly. Oh no she di'int.

Socialworkgirl · August 2013

Hollylb3 said:

Yep, here in KY you can do that too. A lady at my church said she had to fill out a bunch of paperwork to get her daughter in preschool, and that she'd probably homeschool due in part to all the hassle. Sigh. She also asked if I had DS vaccinated and if I breastfed when I mentioned that he's reaching his physical developmental milestones slowly. Oh no she di'int.

Really? Attributing slow development to vaccines....I hadn't heard that one. I assume she was implying that formula feeding causes slow development?

also, she thinks homeschool will be less hassle than the paperwork?

Hollylb3 · August 2013

Socialworkgirl said:

Hollylb3 said:

Yep, here in KY you can do that too. A lady at my church said she had to fill out a bunch of paperwork to get her daughter in preschool, and that she'd probably homeschool due in part to all the hassle. Sigh.

She also asked if I had DS vaccinated and if I breastfed when I mentioned that he's reaching his physical developmental milestones slowly. Oh no she di'int.

Really? Attributing slow development to vaccines....I hadn't heard that one. I assume she was implying that formula feeding causes slow development?

also, she thinks homeschool will be less hassle than the paperwork?

Yeah, that was a new one on me, too. She actually used to be Amish and I don't think she's that well educated, so I'll let it slide.

I have a feeling she would be homeschooling anyways. Faith is a huge part in her life (mine too, but not to where I think public school will be the death of my children), and, well, I can't explain it. But you know the type.

littlemomma10 · August 2013

Hollylb3 said:

Yep, here in KY you can do that too. A lady at my church said she had to fill out a bunch of paperwork to get her daughter in preschool, and that she'd probably homeschool due in part to all the hassle. Sigh. She also asked if I had DS vaccinated and if I breastfed when I mentioned that he's reaching his physical developmental milestones slowly. Oh no she di'int.

YIKES! As someone who was homeschooled, if she's thinks homeschooling would be easier than preschool paperwork, I feel sorry for her child!(Yup, I went there) My mom spent hours upon hours planing, preparing, and grading our work. And that lady proved that she's extra classy by asking you such personal questions.

On the topic on hand, I believe quite a few states allow you to have religious or medical reasons to exempt from vaccinations. I know our current state(AR) does.

Hollylb3 · August 2013

Yep, @littlemomma10 I was pretty blown away. And FTR, I see nothing wrong with homeschool and probably would myself if I felt capable and motivated enough. I'm just way too much of a procrastinator.

bridein08 · August 2013

Ugh. You can get medical and "religious" exemptions here, but not philosophical. Most people who are anti-vax here get a religious exemption, even if they are not religious.

MountaineerMomma · August 2013

I had to google it, since my girls arent in school yet...WV only does medical exemptions - no religious or philosophical exemptions. I guess we are one of two states that don't allow them. I think I like it that way personally.

littlemomma10 · August 2013

Hollylb3 said:

Yep, @littlemomma10 I was pretty blown away. And FTR, I see nothing wrong with homeschool and probably would myself if I felt capable and motivated enough. I'm just way too much of a procrastinator.

I know what you mean. I think it can have a lot of benefits, but it really is a full time job. For now we plan to do a homeschool co-op for preschool and possibly kindergarden, but I'm not sure what we'll do past that. I feel confident with those grades, as I was a preschool teacher pre children. Once they get into high school it's a whole new ballgame.

Hollylb3 · August 2013

littlemomma10 said:

Hollylb3 said:

Yep, @littlemomma10 I was pretty blown away. And FTR, I see nothing wrong with homeschool and probably would myself if I felt capable and motivated enough. I'm just way too much of a procrastinator.

I know what you mean. I think it can have a lot of benefits, but it really is a full time job. For now we plan to do a homeschool co-op for preschool and possibly kindergarden, but I'm not sure what we'll do past that. I feel confident with those grades, as I was a preschool teacher pre children. Once they get into high school it's a whole new ballgame.

That sounds like a good plan. I'd be terrified to teach high school. I'd have to contract the work out, lol.

Mrs.Hizzo · August 2013

Colorado has medical, religious, and personal exemptions. Which makes me wonder why I even have to bring in immunization records, since it's clearly not a "requirement" at all.

spring_time · August 2013

There have been several editorials this week in our newspapers about the vaccination exemptions. There are 48 states that allow for philosophical exemptions. Some states are working to tighten the requirements for those exemptions including making sure people have accurate literature. My experience, though, is those people who choose exemptions aren't typically looking for accurate information, just information to confirm their belief. It is like the abortion debate, you are not going to change minds.

littlemermaid · August 2013

Our public school district allows parents to sign a waiver.

Spin313 · August 2013

Sadly, Michigan does allow philosophical waivers and we have the fourth highest rate in the country of vax exemptions.

Stefibeth · August 2013

Nearly all states have at least a religious exemption, most also have philosophical. The requirements for getting the exemption vary. I think only 2 states have no exemptions? I could be wrong though.

Allycat11 · August 2013

Spin313 said:

Sadly, Michigan does allow philosophical waivers and we have the fourth highest rate in the country of vax exemptions.

I live in MI and know several people who have chosen not to vaccinate and still send their kids to public school, apparently the process was not difficult at all.

Personally, I am not a fan of that.

rockyrollgirl · August 2013

I think in California there are medical and religious exemptions.....

Spin313 · August 2013

Stefibeth said:
Nearly all states have at least a religious exemption, most also have philosophical. The requirements for getting the exemption vary. I think only 2 states have no exemptions? I could be wrong though.

Actually, only 17 states allow exemption to vaccination based on philosophical, personal or conscientiously held beliefs: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. New Mexico's religious exemption wording is inclusive of philosophical/personal belief exemption, but they aren't technically considered a "philosophical exemption" state.

Sited from nvic.org

Minipenguin · August 2013

Do you actually send a copy of the vaccination records or is it just a form? I don't see how it isn't a violation of HIPAA for them to require copy of the records. I don't think the school needs to know if a kid has a medical reason s/he can't get shots. IMO, should just be a form that says "was either vaccinated or medically exempt" without specifying.

But then, I'm a weirdo about medical information.

ETA: And if you just choose to not vaccinate due to wearing your crazy pants, then that's different.

lkm2006 · August 2013

I'm from Mississippi where you can't even file under religious reasons. Not that I'm complaining.. One less thing that I have to worry when my kids are in school.

mysticl · August 2013

bridein08 said:

Ugh. You can get medical and "religious" exemptions here, but not philosophical. Most people who are anti-vax here get a religious exemption, even if they are not religious.

That really bothers me. Religious exemptions don't but people who claim them when it isn't true do.

pitterpatter129 · August 2013

In OK you just sign a paper for whatever reason you choose. I've recently joined some local fb groups (cloth diaper/babywearing) and quickly realized NONE of my new friends vaccinate at all. It's a whole new world to me and although I really like the mamas, I don't feel comfortable going on a lot of playdates with kids older than mine because they aren't vaccinated. And I feel like a bitch asking - it is and isn't my business. I don't want to offend people, but also don't want measles... I had no idea it was so easy to be allowed in school minus vaccinations. As a public school teacher (or was up until now), I'm curious how many of my students weren't. We had a whole outbreak of chicken pox a few years ago.

Disneygeek77 · August 2013

My parents didn't vaccinate myself or my siblings. We grew up in MO and we always had religious exemptions. I think my dad pretty much just went up to our pastor and was like " Hey, sign this please."

FTR, I have since been vaccinated and my children are all vaccinated.

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