Immunizations and Catholic School

Updated on October 27, 2009
K.C. asks from Collegeville, PA
4 answers

Hi there! They are threatening to kick my daughter out of Kindergarten because she is not up to date w/ vaccines. She loves her school and I am so stressed out about this. She had a very bad reaction to the last set of shots she had and when I told our old pediatrician he blew off my concerns and because of this I can't get a medical exemption. Now I'm refusing to give her anymore and I'm afraid they are going to kick her out of school and they told me they are refusing to let her go on her class field trip next week too. I know in public schools you can claim a moral or religious exemption, but does any one know if the same rules apply to Catholic school? I am NOT trying to make waves in the school, I'm just doing what I feel is best for my daughter. Can they kick her out for this and is it legal? If anyone has any information or experience with this I would be grateful for any advice. Thank You!!!

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E.N.

answers from Philadelphia on

Dear K.,
You are the Mom. You call the shots as you see them. A child's life is nothing to mess with. No one can make the decision for you. I gave my children food supplements before they got their shots, and they sailed through them with no problem. Prior to giving them food supplements, their reactions were worse. Do your homework, talk to pharmacists...they usually know a lot about what is going on in the chemistry of the vaccine and may be able to offer you some really good advice.
You can't be too careful.
Good luck....If you hold Kayla back a year, being that she is the oldest...she will do great in 6th-8th grades. Give yourself and her the time if you think it is necessary and don't think back. Enjoy your motherhood!
E.

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K.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

K. -
I'm not even going to address the immunization issue... I know we don't see eye to eye on that one, but as for if the school can legally make this decision, I believe the answer is yes. Since it's a private school and you are choosing to have your child attend, (not forced) by sending her you are giving tacet agreement to their rules. They can have rules that they feel are in the best interest of the child. Religious or moral reasons don't apply. Public schools are required to accept everyone, but not private schools.

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T.P.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi, there~
When I was looking this up, I googled moral and religious exemptions for vaccines. There were quite a few templates for you to fill out to submit to her school. Since one of the reasons is that they use human parts to create certain vaccines, the Catholic Church shouldn't have much objection! I know it's a state law that they have to respect this, but I'm honestly not sure how this pertains to private schools.

My son goes to a private Pre-K, and I didn't completely vaccinate him (which they said was required). I didn't submit the forms, preferring instead to hold on to them and see if they even noticed he was missing some. Kind of disturbing (but good for me), they have never mentioned it. If they do, I will file the exemption. I'd love to know how this works out for you. Be strong!

Best,
T.

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S.F.

answers from Philadelphia on

not if you're smart about it. here's a good site.

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

you have to write a letter to someone and they should then leave you alone - if they don't then you can write to the vaccine company and they will give you something in writing exempting your child because they can not guarantee you that the vaccine will work for your child and that it will not cause a reaction. did you ask your doctor for a medical exemption? your dr. obviously knows you have a strong belief on this subject.

this article actually gave me so much piece of mind when i made my decision to hold off on the vaccines for my second child and for the certain vaccines that he's not going to receive. I hope it helps you.

good luck.
S.

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