What can I do about my sons immunizations?

Question

all right, I know to some this will sound horrible. But I have a son about to enter kindergarten. I have never had him vaccinated other than when he was born. I myself become very ill from getting immunizations and im 27, and I just don't feel comfortable putting him through the same misery I went through. I know in some states they have waivers to take to a doctor and have signed, I just recently moved to Kentucky from another state and have not established a regular peditrician due to no insurance. The school will NOT admit him until I have shot records on file with them. I called the health department and they say they won't give any shots unless I have his previous shot records. But I don't have any. Anybody have any recomindations as to what I should or can do?

I absolutley adore my son and he has never been ill other than the common cold. So I don't want anyone to think Im a horrible mother.

Answer 1

I just wanted to reassure you that you are NOT a horrible mother. Anyone who cares enough to educate themselves on vaccines and choose to be advocates for your child deserves to be treated with respect! We are homeschooling, so we don't have to deal with the system, thank God. If I had to, I would start with finding out what the real laws are in your state. You should find a clause within the legal mumbojumbo that describes an "opt out" form that is available in your state. This form is basically your rights to opt out because of your beliefs. You'll have to sign it and submit them to the school system. Don't let them bully you. You're not the only mom in KY that doesn't have their children immunized. Good luck to you, and God bless you for standing up for what you believe in.

Answer 2

Can you call the hospital where he was born and get a record of what shots he got there?  If this was the one and only time he had any shots, then try there first.  If you never got him shots after he was born with his pediatrician, then sorry, you are out of luck.  He will have to get the shots done.  Otherwise, if you did get him his shots when he was a baby, then call the dr. who gave him the shots and ask for the records.  Probably the reason you're child has never been seriously ill is because all the other moms got their children immunizations!  But the school requires it.  Now your child will have to suffer even worse at age 5.  Nice going.

Answer 3

they shouldn't be forcing vaccines on any child if the school will not admit your child then tell them it is against your religion and that they are discriminating against your child and that you will see them in court then see what they do

Answer 4

You are doing the right thing by sticking up for what you think is right for your son. Contact the school district to see what forms need to be signed to allow your child into school. I couldn't imagine that they would make you immunize your child to go to a public school. Good Luck...Do what you feel is Best!

Answer 5

Every state is different, but ask the school over the phone if they have a waiver for religious people who can not vaccinate? If they do not, call the hospital where you had your child. Ask for your child's records. Babies are given at least one vaccine when they are born, so ask them to fax or mail what they do have to you. That should be enough to give to the health department.

While you are making phone calls, see if you can qualify for Medicaid or any of its other services for higher-income people. States specifically have SCHIPS (State child health insurance plans) so ask about that too.  In Ohio, we have healthy family/ healthy start made for higher income families that provide insurance for babies and kids through age 19. If you can get something like that, then you can get a doctor for your son who can help you plan out what you need.

Here is a link to help you find some help: http://chfs.ky.gov/dms/