Can a child be put in daycare/preschool without the MMR immunization?

Question

my fiance and i are currently trying to get our four year old into child care but every time we go in they're out of at least one medication. the MMR immunation (measles, mumps and rubella) is the one they're out of this time and i was curious if not having it would prevent my child from being able to be put in daycare.

Answer 1

Yes, you can.  Private facilities accept the exemption form, they can deny as well.  Public schools have to accept the exemption.  My son attends public and private completely unvaccinated.  Here is the site to the National vaccine information center.  

http://www.909shot.com

In the left hand column go under state laws and exemptions.  Download your states form and have it notorized.  My sons attending private care have never had a problem with the exemption forms.  I would call around and see if childcare will accept it.  

Also you could ask for a titer drawn.  Your 4 yr old would have had his first MMR shot at 15-18 months.  Only 2-5% of kids are not immune from the initial shot.  Ask your pediatrician for bloodwork to draw the titer to see if your child has immunity.  In my opinion this should always be done first.  If there is no need to take the risk of the shot, then don't.  The bloodwork immunity is acceptable without the exemption form.

Answer 2

You would have to ask the daycare provider on that one to know for sure.   But IME, no they would not let them attend, unless you live in a state where there are exemptions allowed for immunizations, and that daycare does and accept the exemptions.  In the state that I live in the exemptions are only for public schools and does not include daycare.

Answer 3

It depends on the state, I know in Minnesota they have to be up to date on all of their immunizations before they can enter a day care facility, but other states have different rules regarding that.  The best place to go is your local Human Services Licensing department for the complete list of rules for your specific state.

Answer 4

In NY you would have to provide a doctor's note exempting the child or declare a sincere religious belief. You could also show proof of an appointment for the shot but you would have to keep the appointment. Check the regs in your state.

Answer 5

yep - unless u claim its for religious beliefs

Answer 6

contact the daycare and tell them your predicament. More than likely if there is a shortage other parents are having the same problem.