religious reasons for being exempt from vaccinations

Okay, so kindergarten registration is at the end of this month for my town and I really really don't want my son to get his vaccinations. I live in Pennsylvania and you can be exempt for religious reasons. Maybe this sounds dumb, but I don't know what to say for my reason for requesting religious exemption. Can anyone help me out??? Also how/where can you obtain the exemption forms??? I'm having another baby due in July and I also want to avoid getting his/her vaccinations, how do I do that??? That's definitley not information they want to provide readily. I know if I asked a doctor about it they would get treat me like an idiot who is purposely trying to harm their child....I hate this ignorant small town!! Arghhh so frustrating... I'm getting pretty pissed off lately over my lack of rights... I also just found out homebirths are illegal in PA~~ what the fuck is up with that? There is currently a midwife on trial for doing homebirths for the Amish and such.. its so fucked up!! I wish I was still in Oregon...grrr, I can't even find a midwife in my area~

 

Neither of my sons were vaccinated throughout their elementary and high school years (we homeschooled some of those years, but not all, so we did deal with government schools and the pretense that vaccinations are mandatory)

When my oldest son entered kindergarten, I simply wrote a brief letter to the school saying, "Our son is not vaccinated due to our religious beliefs". My husband and I both signed it and the school kept the letter in our son's file along with his other records. As I recall, it was the one and only time we were asked to verify/confirm our choice.

My youngest son entered public school in the 7th grade and we did the same for him.

Note: I know your thoughts are a long way from your child's college years, but for what its worth, I'd like to share my experience with vaccination exemptions at the University level as well.
College was a bit more difficult ... the university (state funded) “insisted” my sons get their MMR vaccinations. Both boys were over 18 at the time, so legally/personally able to make their own choice on the matter (even tho I expressed my disapproval and concern). My oldest son’s exposure to the vaccine went without incident. My youngest son’s story was quite different (and confirmed my fears about vaccines in general). He become VERY ill - extremely high fever, the worst headaches he had ever experienced, nausea, etc... - a trip to the ER followed by several doctor’s visits confirmed his exposure to the vaccine played a significant part in triggering a virus that was possibly laying dormant in his system (or introducing it?) and he was diagnosed with mononucleosis - a similar strain of virus as measles, meningitis, etc. He missed 2 weeks of classes and took several months to really get back on his feet (he still suffers from viral infections much more frequently than the average person).

Later, the university, in its infinite wisdom, decided that despite my son’s initial serious reaction to the first round of the MMR vaccine, he needed to follow up with a second round which was required of all students. We were able (at first) to get a medical exemption as mononucleosis had been confirmed via my son’s blood work and our doctor felt comfortable writing a letter stating that “at this time vaccinations were contraindicated”.

The school left no stone un-turned, however, and picked up on the “at this time”. They kept pushing for our doctor to give exact dates as to when he could/could not receive the vaccination, so we began to look for other solutions - and went back to the religious out. However, we were told that to claim a religious exemption - to satisfy the state - my son had to verify that he was attending a church were this belief was held.

Since we were convinced another vaccination could seriously affect my son’s health AGAIN - there was no choice but to keep looking for ways to successfully opt out. After researching the subject via the internet, I found that a “PERSONAL religious exemption” was different than a religious exemption ... and so my son took that route, writing the following letter to the university:
“After much thought, reflection and meditation, my personal religious beliefs prohibit the injection of foreign substances into my body. Therefore, owing to the Knowledge that The Higher Power that created us all rejects this same notion of foreign substances entering into the body, I object to the following vaccinations, including but not limited to, DTaP\DTP, HepB, Hib, MMR, Polio, Varicella, and MCV4. Therefore I am filing this personal religious exemption in accordance with: TITLE 77: PUBLIC HEALTH CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SUBCHAPTER k: COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL AND IMMUNIZATIONS PART 694 COLLEGE IMMUNIZATION CODE SECTION 694.210 RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION”

The university finally backed off.

For more info on vaccinations visit: http://www.vaccineawareness.org/aboutIVAC.htm
http://www.thenhf.com/vaccinations.html

To hear others Mother’s viewpoints/experiences with vaccine choice and other alternative subjects visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MothersForLiberty/

Jan

 

Just a question....


I've heard the arguments against vaccines for babies, about how the mercury might cause autism, etc. But what's so dangerous about it for older kids/adults? No one's ever come down with autism at the age of 5, at least not that I'm aware of. I'm all for individual rights, I'm just curious about the reasoning behind it.

I personally have had all my vaccinations, and then some (I went to Africa...need I say more? lol) and I've never had any problems. I realize that's just me, which is why I'm asking.

 

There is a whole forum on vaccinations on Mothering.Com. They have many links to sites that will help you file the religious exemption forms. Every state is different. Here in Jersey we only have the option of religious or medical. Since we are homescholing I'm not worried about filing any forms right now, but if it ever comes up in the future we will simply write a letter stating that we have not vaccinated due to our religious beliefs. Here you don't have to prove what those beliefs are. In fact, the less said in your letter, the better off you are.

Unfortunately, when he was in day care I lied on the forms and said he was current when in fact we stopped vaccinating when he reacted to prevnar. He has not had any since that time.

Reactions do not have to be autism. There are many forms of reactions. As a previous poster said, her child developed high fever and a susceptibility to viral infections that has continued with him. My son developed asthma and reflux. He had so many food allergies that all he could eat for a long time was rice. He still reacs to some foods and it's been 3.5 years since his last vaccination.

Kathi

 

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/ there is a whole forum on vaccinations

 

I know what u mean about it being hard to find midwives in pa. I could never find one but I was recently told there is a midwife practice in doylestown if thats not too far for you! I might do a little research on that after work today. I was pretty excited to hear about that, I almost don't believe it. lol.

 

My lord, that is fucked up. I mean, unless there's reason to believe something's going to go wrong, there's no reason to do it in the hospital. And you can't expect an Amish person to want to go to a hospital, considering their belief system.

 

I believe in vaccinating my baby. She is current on all her shots and is due for some at the end of this month.

But, I do have a question....why avoid the vaccs? What if your child comes down with something you didn't vaccinate them for? Is it your fault? Would you feel bad?

 

Moonflower, If Moire came down with the measles or mumps, I wouldn't feel bad. She'd get the disease, be uncomfortable, in the most likely event, she'd recover and then have lifelong immunity and a stronger immune system.

If I vaccinated her, I'd be filling her full of formaldehyde, gluteraldehyde, other toxic chemicals that occupational handbooks describe as not to come into contact with human skin let alone their insides, and aborted fetus cells. These cause cancer, allergies, asthma, and other auto-immune diseases. There is no cure, there is no way to determine if she's truly at risk.

As far as I'm concerned, I'd rather her get a disease that is treatable than to put her at risk for something that no one can cure.

 

Well said, I'd do the same.

 

Yea, some of the vaccines are not necessary but some prevent much more serious diseases. My kids are all caught up and no problems so far, no reactions. I have some good friends that don't vaccinate and one of their kids is highly autistic. I don't think avoiding vaccines is the answer for these illnesses. I don't knock anyone who choses not to but for me I will take my chances with the vaccines.

 

Autism can be genetic, but is also a result of foriegn chemicals. If your friend ingested anything with toxic chemicals during pregnancy, then it could interfere with the brain development of the fetus. Breathing in toxic air has an affect too. Basically, you don't know what is in those vaccinations. A lot of vaccinations are deluted with other chemicals to preserve it. The affects are somewhat unknown, but there is a huge coorelation between abnormal brain development and vaccinations. Would you go down to a river by a city and give your child a cup of that water knowing that there are potential toxins in that water? It's the same concept. Knowing that there are chemicals that could potentially harm your child is being uninformed or careless. Everyone has a choice, but please think about the consequences.

 

How can that be when the majority of people say in the United States are vaccinated and the majority do not have abnormal brain development. I am not saying that reactions to vaccines don't happen but they also happen with many medications. I give my children medication when they need it however. Nothing comes without risks and the risk is higher if you leave them unprotected against major viruses. Especially viruses that maim and kill. Have you ever seen pictures of kids with polio. You should at least vacinate against the big ones. These diseases are very much alive today out in the world. Go ahead and skip missles, mumps and chicken pox if you want.

No, I would pour it from the tap where it is treated with chemicals(that do positive things).

 

My decision to skip vaxes was cemented by information that the CDC published. Here in the US my daughter has a much higher chance of having an adverse reaction to the vaxes than actually getting the diseases that the vaxes 'prevent'.

Also, getting a vax does NOT guarantee immunity.

As for the OPs question, check out http://909shot.com/ there is alot of good info there. If you want to skip vaxes for the baby on the way, just stick to your guns. Peds will try to make you feel like a neglectful parent. I had DD in the hospital (in AZ) and we roomed together. She did not leave my side, and I refused the hep b and vit k shots repeatedly. When looking for a ped I asked them up-front if non-vaxing was going to be a problem. Quite a few docs said they wouldnt see dd if she wasnt vaxed. I eventually found a doc that was ok with my decisions.


A word on polio-
According to the CDC the Americas were declared polio-free in 1994. As of 2000, there were only 1,200 cases worldwide. In that same year 41,945 people were killed in auto accidents in the US alone. I think that should put the danger of polio into perspective.

 

http://vaers.hhs.gov/

 

I still sleep better at night knowing that my daughter is vaccinated.
My grandfather had polio. He's in awful shape.

 

To each their own. I'm not trying to bash, just to educate.

Moon_flower, when your Grandfather was born, polio was a real risk. If the conditions today were the same as they were then, I would likely be singing a very different tune.

 

Here's the religious explanation I almost used after my kid had a medical reaction to vax and before the drs would admit it was a vaccine related reaction.

...grabbed if off some religious site years ago:



The Bible

Public law 97-280 passed by Congress of the United States of America declares the Bible to be the “Word of God” and directs citizens to “Study and apply the teachings of the Holy Scriptures”.

The Bible teaches that the truthfulness of an issue is to be sought and should stand on no less than two or more witnesses. (Deuteronomy 19:15) The following is the result of a study on biblical parental responsibility in regards to the practice of unclean, unsafe vaccines.

A diligent study on vaccine safety and effectiveness reveals that there are many informed and qualified researchers and doctors who have found and teach that there are many serious health risks involved with vaccines. The Comprehensive Child Health Immunizations Act of 1993 made known the fact that there are risks to vaccinations by stating “Vaccine information should be simplified to ensure that parents understand the benefits and risks”. Congressional Records (2000 – 2003) have shown that the pharmaceutical companies are more concerned with profit than they are with safety and have knowingly used toxins in the manufacturing of vaccines regardless of the risks.



The Bible teaches us that children are a gift from God (1 Timothy 5:8). Some vaccines are produced using aborted baby lung tissue, which are man and government profiting from the murder of our innocent children. To partake in vaccines is to support that individuals/government that no longer has respect for the sanctity of human life.

The Bible also teaches that there have been times in history when evil government and government employees have attempted, through force or color of law, to intimidate, harm or destroy the children of God’s people. (Exodus 1 and 2/ Matthew 2). Therefore, if a parent feels that vaccines are not safe, it is their responsibility to defend our children from and individual or government who is attempting to subject our children to those vaccine risks.



The Bible teaches that the body is “The temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) To inject known neurotoxins into our children, which have known health risks, would be a violation of these biblical teachings.



The Bible teaches that there are clean and unclean animals and that God’s people are not to put the unclean into their bodies. Many vaccines are made from the blood of diseased animals. The bible teaches us how to live healthy lives, as is God's will, and I will not deny that will..



The Bible teaches that when man’s law contradicts God’s law, His people must obey God over man. (Acts 5:29) Therefore, be it known, should any policy, edict or legislation of man decree our children must be vaccinated, we must obey God rather than man just as Moses’ parents of old, we will do so without fear. (Exodus 2)



The Bible teaches us that we are not to harm or wrong our neighbor. (Romans 13:10 and James 2:8) Our decisions to decline vaccines do not wrong or threaten our neighbor. If vaccines were truly effective, the neighbor would not be in danger from someone who is not vaccinated.



Therefore, be it known, that based upon the teachings of the Holy Bible, it is my religious conviction not to have my children vaccinated. I desire to be at peace with those who may feel or think differently than I do on this issue and that is why I humbly explain the choice I have made. I will protect my children from the injection of neurotoxins, retroviruses and foreign animal proteins that are in vaccinations.

 

Oh yeah.... one of the vaxs... diptheria I think..... was created by a process of telling a group of women that because they had the diesease their child would be deformed. They convinced these women to abort and had to go through about 2 dozen of the fetuses before even finding one with the disease....and that aborted fetus material is what was used in the making of the vaccine. If you can't find something religiously unrighteous in that one you're not looking hard enough.