Vaccines and Preschool

I'm a CPS teacher. Our students are from many different countries, some with good health care and others not so good inluding refugee camps and grass huts. I've had students who crawled through sewers with their parents to get here. Others grew up in overcrowded orphanages prior to being adopted by American families. Some have been living in refugee camps for years. Your child will be spending time with other children from many different backgrounds for hours every day. We are so lucky to live in Chicago with so much diversity. Our children get to grow up with people from every corner of this Earth. Please don't think I'm telling you to get all of the vaccines sooner. Vaccines scare me too. But a school setting with children from all over the world might not be the best place for a child who isn't immunized. Perhaps you could delay pre-school until the vaccincations are complete. Whatever you do, best of luck to you and your daughter.

I am a proponant of vaccinating, and the CPS teacher offered very stong reasons to vaccinate for your child's health. Another reason to vaccinate is for the health of the children and people who will be in contact with your daughter. Leaving her unvaccinated or delayed in vaccination leaves her vulnerable to diseases which she can carry and spread to others as well as get sick from herself. Some of the vaccines are actually aimed at protecting elderly people from diseases that kids commonly carry and aren't particularly harmed by, but which can devastate the weaker immune system of the elderly. I would encourage you to try to keep your child vaccinated. The vaccination schedule is one which is open to interpretation by your pediatrician, but ehich has been well thought out and organized by doctors and scientists who care about the health of all of our children.

This is a major hot button issue right now, and let me begin by saying that I am not trying to start a flaming debate. I would also like to say that I am pro-vaccination and it is something I feel very strongly about. However, since the poster (D. G) has decided to delay vaccinating, I am not going to attack her decision. I would like to refute some false information I read in a response, however. The CDC has NOT, ABSOLUTELY NOT come out with a stance that vaccines are linked to autism. This is entirely 100% not true. Please see this link to the CDC official web site regarding childhood immunization and its importance: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/parents.htm#question
I understand that more research needs to be done. All I am saying is that the poster who claims the CDC says vaccines are linked to autism is wrong. The CDC has NOT stated that. Whether or not vaccines are in fact linked to autism is a different story. Like I said, more research definitely needs to be done. But until then, in my opinion, the benefits of vaccinating FAR outweigh the risk. And that's my opinion. Thank you.

Is there a reason you have decided to delay this? Talk with your pediatrician and discuss the pros and cons of this.
My girls had all vaccines available and on schedule and are just fine, No side effects, no autism . . .
Your daughter will need her vaccination schedule not only for pre-school but for camp, the YMCA, college, etc.

A.
Mom of two healthy vaccinated young ladies.

THIS IS A MESSAGE TO ALL REPLIES: STOP TELLING THIS WOMAN WHAT TO DO WITH HER CHILD!!!!

It is D.'s perogative to take care of her child how she chooses. Many, many, many parents decide to delay - even avoid - vaccinations with their children. Considering she is already thinking about preschool for her 8 month old daughter, probably means she's done extensive research on the vaccination topic. She doesn't need you to try and change her mind. Also, she obviously has a doctor that approves of her choice and doesn't feel the need to change her mind. We are a mama support network here, leave the passive/aggressive attacks in your mind and reply to her original question!

D., I'm also a CPS teacher and would be curious to learn what you find out. Sounds like the person who mentioned the legal route is onto something. I'm sure schools are being flooded with more situations like yours, now that there is so much concern over vaccinations in children. With any luck, changes will be made to your favor by the time your daughter is ready for school! :)
K.

We have not vaccinated my 13 month old since he was 6 months (have not vaccinated for Hep B) and will probably forego must (if not all) of the vaccines left on the schedule. My son's homeopathic doctor said that he knows of a lawyer in Bollingbrook who can take care of situations where vaccinations are foregone/delayed; however, I don't have his/her name yet. But my point is, there is a legal route that can be taked (correct paperwork that should be filled out and filed) so that your partially vaccinated daughter can attend school.

Greetings, My name is D.. My daughter is now 5 yoa. I decided not to go the conventional route with vaccinations. My daughter has a wonderful pediatrician who is also an allergist, uses homeopathy and acupuncture in his 25 plus year practice. Dr. Lin is not currently taking on new patients (but you never know--he might) but the children that come to him all use homeopathy in their healthcare and grow up to be very healthy adults. Why not look into natural vaccines, which could include homeopathy or a way of supplementation for your childs healthcare needs if you decide to continue with conventional vaccinations. I know that was not your question, but just thought I would give you and your husband ideas for other options. Good Luck

Hi D.-I have read the responses and I would like to provide some insight here. First I am a naturalist and have been for 7 years. My children do not get vaccines or do over the counter or prescription medications. This is an area I consider to be very well versed in.

When we moved here, I was surprised to find out that I had to have a medical excuse or a religious waiver for my children. I chose the religious waiver because I had not found a holistic doctor and it was too close to the school year. It is very easy to do--go to a google search and type in vaccination waiver letter and a few sites will pop up you can insert the name. Once long ago vaccines were needed under certain circumstances for disease, water borne illnesses, sanitation issues but now that the immune system is more understood it makes no sense to inject a live or a dead form of a virus or bacteria into anyone. It compromises the immune system.

Further, every single vaccine that is out there is made for a 220 lb. person, not a child. There is a reason why the Federal Government and the CDC are now saying that vaccines are directly linked to autism and major other health threats. There are 4900 families suing over this issue in one major court proceeding. This is just the tip. It seems now we are over medicated and over vaccinated and 80% of illnesses and death are caused by all of these issues.
Please do not think I am trying to scare you-these are facts.
I applaud your decision in even getting different information. There are many websites you can use--www.homefirst.com, www.mercola.com-just look it over for yourself. The CPS teacher brought up a good point about the cultural diversity-but they HAVE to be vaccinated before they can enter this country.

Just keep in mind the healthiest of immune systems is treating our bodies and our children's bodies with respect and the best of food (organics and plenty of fruits and veggies), exercise and fresh air and most importantly pure clean wholesome water.

If you would like to discuss this more do not hesitate to send me a message. Further I am giving a discussion this Friday morning to a bunch of moms here in the area regarding sifting thru all of the hoopla. You are more than welcome to come-several moms that I have met thru this website will be in attendance.

Make it a great day!!
T.

Check the law, which you can probably do on-line. I don't think it is actually a religious waiver, that is, you don't need it to be part of your religion. (Besides, a school district certainly doesn't want to call your church!) I believe you can just submit a statement saying either that it is against your beliefs (not stating a faith) or why you are not complying, which might leave room for them to tell you no. Also, even a very conservative schedule will probably mean you are still up to date by school age, possibly even preschool age.

If you have your doctor write a note explaining that you are on a later schedule, but are keeping up with that schedule, that would almost certainly be acceptable to any school district. (The person doing the follow up doesn't really care about the vaccines, just the paperwork to cover themselves!)

My children were already attending CPS when I received a note home that one of my children was out of compliance on one vaccine and I was given a reasonable amount of time to get the vaccine before they would not allow him back in.

Hello D.,

This is a common practice believe it or not due to various reasons. I would suggest that you request a copy of the policy and procedure section regarding vaccinations from your local CPS school. I am not sure of the exact wording but the vaccines are recommended not neccesarily required. Keep in mind that it is for protection but also keep in that there are side effects when receiving vaccines. Hope this was helpful.

I it's interesting when people write that their kids are vaccinated and healthy. You really don't know for years to come what all the adjuncts and metals are doing to their immune system and brain. All the diseases that "evolve" are able to penetrate due to a weakened immune system. Most talk about the pain of the shot...or because they 'appear' healthy for now that everything is okay. How can we not wonder what all the adjuncts and metals are doing to our children's bodies over time. The CDC will never be 100% honest with the public. They test new vaccines on us (i.e. prevnar and rotavirus) and then recall them..it's just sad that we have to worry about this. We should be demanding "green, perservative-free vaccines". Injecting the virus to stimulate a response is one thing, poisoning us only gives the pharm companies MORE MONEY because we get sick and need more from them... ahhhh. m

I am a Preschool teacher for CPS. Based on my experience, what you will need is a vaccine schedule from your doctor on file with the school. You should not be denied based on this reason alone. You may need to meet with the school nurse at some point. When it is time to apply for preschool (the year before you intend to enroll) talk with the school personnel about your concerns, and they should help you follow appropriate protocol.