Will not vaccinating my child limit what schools/daycare accept him??

Bex - posted on 03/16/2010

its a personal choice, as a parent. i have 2 children not vac"d. here in new zealand we have a imunisation cretificate, that must be signed by a doctor. and you must suply it to daycares/ and school. everyone does this, and with non vac kids, the doctor signs it to say your child isnt vac'd. the school informs parents of any bugs that are going around, in which its your choice weather to pull them out for a while or not. good for you on making this choice!! dont let the school thing get to you, there is alot of people against parents like us who make this desision. but there are ways around it,. they try and make it hard for us to make the choice not to. feel free to message me on any other questions you have, my oldest daughter is nearly 10, and youngest has just turned 7 months. :)

Kate CP - posted on 03/16/2010

Okay, Beth. You win. I'll shut it down JUST FOR YOU! :)

Tiffany - posted on 03/16/2010

Trust me on this one, Chelsea - you do not have to have your child vaccinated to put them in public school in the U.S. if you sign a waiver saying it is for religious reasons. It's a tough choice because as this strand shows - some parents, most school administrators, and most medical professionals will give you all kinds of grief. But bottom line; it's your child and your choice. As someone said, be sure and arm yourself with as much information as possible. Hang in there!

Beth - posted on 03/16/2010

i really dont care if you do delete kate. what did you expect when the question was asked? it was gunna happen.

Beth - posted on 03/16/2010

i dont think that anyone should speak to this mother as though she is stupid or irresponsible because she chose something different for her child than you did. she feels as though she is making the best choice for her child to keep him safe. even though i choose to vaccinate the warnings and possibble side effects of vaccinations are scary so i understand why she would be wary.

Kate CP - posted on 03/16/2010

Okay. Any more vaccine debate on this thread and I will delete the posts and shut it down. If you want to debate on vaccines go to the thread labeled VACCINE DEBATE on the main page. Thank you.

Kate Capehart
CoM Moderator

Denelle - posted on 03/16/2010

If your child is vaccinated and sits next to a child who isn't, then your vaccinated child should NOT get sick, isn't that what the vaccines are for??? So stop your gryping because another child isn't vaccinated!

Denelle - posted on 03/16/2010

I chose not to vaccinate my daughter as well, she is healthy as a horse. She is not old enough for public school yet but we have had no problems at all with the Mother's Day Out program she attends. Good Luck and stand your ground!

Kate CP - posted on 03/16/2010

*bangs head on desk* Okay, this was NOT supposed to be a vaccine debate! If you want to START a vaccine debate...click HERE ----> http://apps.facebook.com/circleofmoms/we...

Beth - posted on 03/16/2010

it does limit your choices of public schools and daycares. my mother is a school nurse and comes across this problem often.

Rebecca - posted on 03/16/2010

Ok to the person who thinks vaccinations are linked to autism it is not. I think you need to refresh your studies. The "DR" who did the study did not do it properly and rigged it so it would benefit him. The paper has been thrown out, and this has been in the last month or 2.
To the person who asked why vaccinated kids can't be near unvaccinated kids is because you still run the risk of getting sick. Vaccines reduce the risk of catching these illnesses and help protect our children they are not a cure. If my child became ill because he sat next to a child who was not vaccinated you better be damn sure i'll be going after the kids parents and the school. We have the right to know who is going in to our children's schools. I'm sorry but with experience from taking a nonvaccinated child in to my home and my son becoming ill for the first time, i dont' say that's coincidence and i ALWAYS ask now. You think it's common since to do vaccinations now but i am amazed at how many still do not do it. If autism is your fear then think of it this way...if vaccinations did cause autism, wouldn't we ALL be that way??? YES. It is genetics and in my personal opinion a vaccine brings it to the surface sooner. The little boy i watched that wasn't vaccinated is now 2yrs old and was diagnosed with autism a few months back...i bet the parents feel real great now knowing they put their child's health at risk for something they can't control but thought they could. Do the right thing ...

Marcy - posted on 03/16/2010

The vaccinating your little one does limit him. You will be forced to do so cause it will help build his amunity to the viruses out there.

Keisha - posted on 03/16/2010

I spaced out the vaccinations for my children however the bottom line is this. Yes, you child will be able to put your child in public school and daycare however you will have to fill out a form indicating that you have declined vaccinations for your child due to religious or personal reasons. You may have to explain a bit beyond that but that's about it. Yes, you will have to do this at any place you want to enroll your child, whether it be daycare, school, spring or summer camp or any athletic program. This right here is a taste of what it will be like for you. So be sure of your decision and be able to defend it or just blow off the "why" question. Should you have to defend it ...probably not...but some people will want to know why if you voluntarily tell them that your child is unvaccinated because it will make them uncomfortable when having their children around yours. Despite the fact that their child is vaccinated, it will still make them uncomfortable to know that yours is not.

Lucy - posted on 03/16/2010

I think that as in the UK, in most US states even if the official line is vaccinations are a must there is always an opt out form if you ask for it.

However, as a teacher that has seen lots of unvaccinated kids get sick time and time again, if you choose not to protect a child with vaccinations I would strongly suggest home schooling.

Kaci - posted on 03/16/2010

that was meant for donna,
also to the poster, YES your child can attend/do the same things as vaccinated children, just fill out the form check out these sites to help:
http://www.nvic.org/Vaccine-Laws/state-v...
and dont let anyone/doctor/teacher talk you into something different than you have already made an informed decision on yourself!

Kaci - posted on 03/16/2010

well if your child is vaccinated then why would it matter if they were around unvaccinated children?

Erin - posted on 03/16/2010

I know in NJ, it is tough but they will take your child if they are not vaccinated. They have to have a letter from a Dr stating they are allergic to a component in the shot or for religious reasons.
I agree with Amy, vaccinated children would not be affected by diseases from non vaccinated children. That is the whole reason why they are vaccinated, right? I have two boys. Both have been vaccinated against certain diseases, Polio, Dpt, and MMR. They have not received the flu or H1n1 and one of the hepatitis. My little guy will only get the Measles part of the MMR shot on his second go around since that is all our public schools need. There is no need to have a second dose of the Mumps or Rubella,. Dr give it as a second shot since it is easier for them. I think it is wonderful you are being the parent and deciding what you think is best for your child and not just going with the flow because it is easier.

Lucretia - posted on 03/16/2010

All I can say is that you better be educated before you go to battle with your doctor, school system. Learn the pros and cons and statistics of each and every recommended shot. My son has had his mmrs and polio vaccinations as mandated, but I have had no problems refusing flu/h1n1 or chicken pox. I have had to provide proof of immunizations for everything from school to daycare to athletic camps to ... you name it. Good luck in your education.

Emily - posted on 03/16/2010

Congratulations on your little one. Babies are truly one of the best gifts that God can give us! Well, as far as vaccination goes... I taught in public schools for 6 years before having my daughters, and I will tell you that public schools (or at least in the two districts in which I taught) WILL accept your son regardless of whether or not he has had his vaccinations. You will have to sign a form stating that you have a personal or a religious reason for refusing to vaccinate your little one. And in the 6 years that I've been out of the public school system, I don't think things have changed because I've got a close friend/neighbor who chose not to vaccinate her daughters, and this year, her oldest in Kindergarten with my daughter. They had no trouble getting their daughter into school... they just had to sign the vaccination waiver/form. So, I really don't think you will have any problems about getting your child into any school.

Amy - posted on 03/16/2010

she did say to not debate it. it is her choice. it's my choice also. i don't understand people who vaccinate that get worried about our "sick kids". you've vaccinated which in your mind protects them from all these crazy diseases.

and it is NOT law that you have to vax. our doctor tried to scare us into this and we told him what the laws say and then he goes "oh, well, yeah, the opt out waiver." makes me want to slug doctors. i think only one state had issues with it and you could only opt out for religious reasons. you basically have to show that you've looked into vaccinations and know WHY you don't want them. i think schools want to be sure you aren't just neglecting to even think about them. when most people asked us, we said we didn't agree that they tested vaccines with aborted fetal matter and they said, good enough!

http://www.mercola.com/article/vaccines/...

hope this site helps a bit if your school doesn't have a waiver.

Teresa - posted on 03/16/2010

Um... if you are against vaccinations then you ARE chosing not to vaccinate for religious reasons. It's your belief. It's not a lie.



That being said, my kids ARE vaccinated, but my nephews are not. They are ALWAYS sick. Other than this past 4 months which have been quite brutal on everyone's health.... my kids are hardly ever sick. May just be coincidence.....

Amy - posted on 03/16/2010

for daycares they probably have their own rules. i don't know the laws there. but for schools you just sign a waiver saying for personal, religious or philispohical reasons you do not vaccinate. check the laws for your state or just ask for a waiver at the school. i did not get all my vaccinations. they told us we could not enter in 8th grade without MMR shot. i did, finished 8th grade and no one even asked for any vax info. didn't affect us at all. and more and more people are choosing the no vax path, so i think schools should be more open to this.

Pam - posted on 03/16/2010

you just need to simply sign a waiver at the school of choice, and he will be all set. Most people do not know this... but you are not required to vacinate your child for school. If someone chooses to vacinate - I always recommend that you spread them out - and not give so many at one time. With Autism on the rise - you can not be careful enough!

Diane - posted on 03/16/2010

Donna Gee very good post and I agree with what you shared.

How are our schools protecting our children from children who have not been vaccinated, and from parents who lie to buck the system?

And what responsiblity would the school take if that unvaccinated child gave a disease to other children? Would the parents be held liable?

I know we have the right to do what we see as best for our children but often times it is wrong, I mean none of us are perfect. We do the best we can and pray its enough.
But to know that you are lying to get your child in the PUBLIC SCHOOLS, is wrong and no one should suggest that anyone do that.
I understand that you do not want to vaccinate, but try to understand all those that want protection for their children. How about homeschooling?

Kerri - posted on 03/15/2010

Why would you not vaccinate your child. It just doesn't make any sense to me at all. The vaccines are there to help your children...



Yes it will make it hard to get your child in to daycare and into schools. Every school around this area of florida requires EVERY child must be vaccinated. And lying about a relgious reason is a horrible thing to do.



So yes it is going to make it hard to get them into a daycare or school. So I really think you should reconcider not vaccinating your children.

Tamika - posted on 03/15/2010

I live in Ny and if the child is not vaccinated they can NOT attend school or daycare.

Amber - posted on 03/15/2010

I know that on a military base your children HAVE to have all shots to attend any school o daycare on base regardless... you cant go to any child and youth events without your shot record... and i agree its dangerous to have an unvac. child around one who is.... i got menigitis in college due to this and she had religious resons for not getting them but me lying on my death bed really didnt matter at that moment...i hope you do live in georgia or anywhere near my kids at any point... no need to get them near any more sickness than needed...

Rebecca - posted on 03/15/2010

Donna you have put ALL of my feelings in to words as well.

Donna - posted on 03/15/2010

I know here you must have all your shots to attend public school and day cares, they are even so strict that you can't have had the shot one day before the day it was suppose to be given. You can get out for religion or medical reasons if you choose to lie. I personally think that unless its medical no child should be allowed to be in a school or daycare that is public. It should be my right as a vaccinating parent to have my child protected from vaccinated children. I am not saying you are wrong in your choice but i think that when you make a choice such as that then you should be responsible for you child's education for example home schooling. I feel this way becasue i don't find it right that un-vaccinated children should be allowed to put vaccinated children at risk or children that medically can't be vaccinated children. Have you thought about long term like college, university, certain jobs that you would be limiting your child from? I work as a Child and Youth Worker and i must stay up to date on all my shots.

Amy Jo - posted on 03/15/2010

I would check with the daycare or schools in your area because I think there is fine print on the bottom of all the vac. papers and all you need to do is sign it saying your child is not and will not be due to personal reasons. My child is up to date but this is what a friend told me, her child is not and she has him in preschool and is planning on sending him to our local public school. Good luck with your schools/ daycare.

Rebecca - posted on 03/15/2010

Schools and daycare's need proof of vaccinations before entry but some do ask if it's a choice for religious beliefs. I do childcare from my home and i learned the hard way of taking kids in that weren't vaccinated and now i ask for proof as well. I cared for a family of 3 kids, 2 of which were in school. When my son became very ill i asked the parents if they were doing the new H1N1 shots and then they told me they didn't do ANY vaccinations...i was stunned as i had a new born in the house and they didn't disclose this to me. I let them go the following week and closed my doors until my daughter was old enough to get the H1N1 shot. My son became deathly ill with H1N1 and pneumonia at the same time and i will NEVER take another child in that doesn't get vaccinated. Call your local schools to find out what the laws are there. That is the only way you will find out. Every area is different. Also call daycare's.
I'm curious why you have decided not to vaccinate...but whatever. I just hope you don't regret it some day.
Good luck and congrats on your son.

Theresa - posted on 03/15/2010

I don't know about daycares, but all US public schools have to let children in regardless of immunizations. You will have to sign a form stating why you have chosen not to vaccinate so they have it on record. Hope that helps.

Nikki - posted on 03/15/2010

It depends on where you live, In Australia, your child can go to day care and to public schools although as others have stated you need to fill in a conscientious objection form, it doesn't have to be based on religion it can be/ or used to be able based on personal opinion. The only downside is that you are not able to receive the child care rebate, therefore you have to pay full cost of childcare, which personally I find rather discriminatory. Plus as others have said if there is an out break of any disease your child will be excluded from school. Ring up your local health authority for immunisation and although the will be rather subjective they will be able to give you the correct facts for where you live.

Kate CP - posted on 03/15/2010

Yes, it will. Private schools and daycares can make their own vaccine schedules and can determine who they will and will not allow to enroll in their schools. If you don't vaccinate you're stuck going to public school. Sorry.

Lacey - posted on 03/15/2010

Rebekah is right. No one wants you to know about the forms you can request, but the schools are required to provide them if you request them. If you have ANY moral or religious issues with vaccines you don't have to get them.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 03/15/2010

Very easy way to tell. Call your school district. Why ask us when every stated, every county even has different laws. Also ask your pedeatrician....they would be the person to ask.

Rebekah - posted on 03/15/2010

Congratulations on being a new mommy, and good for you for educating yourself on vaccinations! It's a common misconception that children who are not vaccinated are not aloud to go to public school, but that is completely untrue. Public school WILL accept your son regardless of Vaccinations. You just need to sign a form stating that you have a personal/religious reason for refusing vaccines. Also you need to agree to temporarily take your son out of school if there is any kind of outbreak, but really you'd want to do that regardless :) I'm a mom who doesn't vaccinate and I've had no problem with enrolling my son into anything. Just be sure to ask for a waiver form EVEN if they don't offer one. Hope this helps.

Kristie - posted on 03/15/2010

there is ONE way around not getting shots, religious reasons. That is all the public schools need to know. You also must sign a paper stating that. It is very uncommon the schools in my area do not even keep that paper on hand. They look at you like you are crazy if you ask. That is the ONLY way to get around the must have shots, that I know of.

Ashley - posted on 03/15/2010

in ohio its a must, for every type of school you have to have your shots , even to go on some field trips,liike camp an dc if you dont get his shot then it will limit his schooling probally to be home schooled, because of the other children

Karen - posted on 03/15/2010

i have worked in a couple of daycares and preschools and they required up to date vaccines, as well the public and private schools in my area require them - the only option here would be home schooling if you aren't vaccinating

Meghan - posted on 03/15/2010

I chose not to get my son the h1n1 vaccine (aswell as flue shots, however he is up to date on everything else) and his babysitter stopped taking him because she felt that he would be a risk to her children.

Julie - posted on 03/15/2010

i work in an elementary school and it is maditory for all kids to be uptodate on vaccinations.... why dont you want to vaccinate your child????? i am a nursery teacher here in lebanon..... the first year that i was working at this school, there was a child that didn't have her vaccinations upto date and she caught meningitis... i am not saying that this is going to happen to your child but it is a big risk..... anyways... the girl got very sick and on the brink of death.... and now she is not totally cured.... she still has a mental problem..... there was another child in the class that was sitting right across of her and he caught the meningitis and a couple days later he died because his parents didnt take him to the doctor on time.... anyways since that time.... our school does not accept anyone that is not upto date on vaccinations.... i believe that the child is vulerable to disease when they are not vaccinated.. and they pose a risk to the other children in the class... anyways good luck...

Holly - posted on 03/15/2010

Lindsay is right. Public schools require vaccinations and some privte ones may as well. My MIL runs a home daycare and she has to require vaccinations for the children to be in compliance with the state programs she takes part in, so some daycares may require vaccinations because of those reasons.

Lindsay - posted on 03/15/2010

I know that public school requires every child to have their vaccines, so you will have to put your son in private school when he is older. I believe most daycares require vaccines too, not sure you will have to call around and ask. My guess is when you want to go back to work you'll have to find a nanny that is comfortable with the no vaccine choice. Good Luck.