Vaccine Waiver Form Fee?

[lovinlife1219]

I posted this on the homeschooling thread but was pointed this direction. I hope this is the right spot!

When I went to pick up a vaccine waiver form from my local health department, I was told there was a $25 fee. I asked what it was for, it isn't for a notary...it's for the health department. Is this normal? Do you know if there is a way around this or do I pretty much have no choice but to pay it?

[applejuice]

NO!

What state are you in?

Oh! That $tate!

[alegna]

I've NEVER heard of that...

-Angela

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Definatly not something that is done here TN.

[loveyourohana]

Noooo that is not something that you should be paying for. Who could you take that complaint too? Does anyone know?

[Emmeline II]

Oops, I guess I got the state from the wrong person.

Chances are you don't need a form just a signed statement.

I'd call the health dept until you can get someone to admit that they cannot charge for the form, up to the health commissioner or whatever they call the head of the health department. Then move on to you local representative.

[jplain]

It would be much easier to help you if you'd specify what state you are in!

[lovinlife1219]

Thanks for all of the replies! I don't have access to internet often, sorry for the delay. I am in Utah. Thanks for the help - I really don't think it's right to have to pay $25 just for the paper.

Let me know what you guys know! Thanks!!

[Drummer's Wife]

I'd call again and see what's up. Maybe you'll get a different answer, cause besides the notary fee, I can't figure out what they could possibly be charging you for.

[Full Heart]

I have not found anywhere that it says there is a fee http://health.utah.gov/immu/public/sched_exemptions.htm just says the forms need to be picked up at the health dept. They do need to witness and sign it but it says nothing about a fee. I would think if there was a fee they would say something! Or else they would be having people like you coming down there all the time unprepared.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Since all they do is hand you a peice of paper without having to write on it or anything charging for it dosnt make sense at all.

[lovinlife1219]

We just called and spoke with the front office, and I was told that the fee is an "administrative fee" because a nurse has to "take time out of her busy day" to stop what she is doing, come and talk with us and physically sign the paperwork. Why a nurse? I don't have any idea. I guess to give us information on vaccines...you know, because we choose not to vaccinate because we are uneducated about them.

We were given another number, I'll see what happens with that. This is ridiculous!

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

That is so weird all they did was hand me the paper and I filled it all out then took it and had it noterized. : They have nothing to fill out on it at least not on the one here.

[loveyourohana]

Originally Posted by lovinlife1219

Thanks for all of the replies! I don't have access to internet often, sorry for the delay. I am in Utah. Thanks for the help - I really don't think it's right to have to pay $25 just for the paper.

Let me know what you guys know! Thanks!!

I am in Utah as well... or from UT, and just visiting at the moment... I am going to go in tomorrow, and see if I get the same reaction.

I am in Salt Lake right now... pm me if you are anywhere around, perhaps we can work together.

[Turquesa]

Originally Posted by lovinlife1219

We just called and spoke with the front office, and I was told that the fee is an "administrative fee" because a nurse has to "take time out of her busy day" to stop what she is doing, come and talk with us and physically sign the paperwork. Why a nurse?

To try to talk you out of it. Isn't that special? You're paying $25.00 for this "official" looking person to take time out of her almighty day and tell you you're making a crappy decision. I'll bet you anything that's it. :

[A&A]

I'm in Utah, too. It depends on the county you live in. Some counties charge the fee; others don't.

[lovinlife1219]

Originally Posted by loveyourohana

I am in Utah as well... or from UT, and just visiting at the moment... I am going to go in tomorrow, and see if I get the same reaction.

I am in Salt Lake right now... pm me if you are anywhere around, perhaps we can work together.

Bummer, the offices are closed on fridays. I'm down in southern utah. We're going to call *again* on monday to try to talk with the director (we left a message today). I definitely think they have a nurse come try to talk us into vaccinating. I'm sure we will get every scare tactic in the book - but besides that fact, I don't want to have to pay 25 bucks!

Everyone is so helpful here

[Emmeline II]

No. Don't take that for an answer; tell them to show you the part of the exemption law that allows them to charge you for an exemption. Or you can just submit a religious exemption letter.

Submit a statement that the person has a personal belief opposed to immunizations, which is signed by a parent and witnessed by the local health officer or his designee; or a statement that the person is a bona fide member of a specified, recognized religious organization whose teachings are contrary to immunizations, signed by a parent. The form for exemption is provided by the Department of Health. http://www.nvic.org/state-site/Utah.htm

There is a letter in my siggy; you do not need to be part of a religion whose doctrine opposes vax.

[Turquesa]

Originally Posted by Emmeline II

No. Don't take that for an answer; tell them to show you the part of the exemption law that allows them to charge you for an exemption. Or you can just submit a religious exemption letter.

What she said. I'm a little more snarky and would add, "Thank you. But I am declining the consult with the nurse. I am not going to pay for a service that I neither requested nor wanted."

[Gitti]

I second a religious exemption. It can be based on a 'home religion' or any deep feelings to some thing or othere...

We use a religious objection and are not 'religious' nor do we belong to any church. But we religiously believe that vaccines do not belong in our bodies.