Wording of exemption

[KoalaMommy]

We live in Tennessee where only religious or medical exemptions are allowed, and you have to submit in writing your religious objection. Tricky thing is we're selective vaxers, and I'm not clear if that's allowed legally (though I have known families who claimed religious exemption to just 1 vaccine). So I've written something to be a bit vague on the subject of which vaccines I might object to (so as not to commit perjury) but that covers the ones I specifically object to. Would someone tell me if this is good enough???

TIA

"I hereby certify that according to my strongly held Christian religious beliefs, as contained in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, that all human beings are created in the image of God and that God did declare His creation good. Therefore, the human body is complete in every way including the immune system of young children. Furthermore, as life is possible only through and with the creative powers of God, the alteration of any genetic material or the destruction of human life for medical or scientific purposes is contrary to my religious beliefs. Therefore, in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, I respectfully request my children be exempted from the administration of any medical treatments preventative or otherwise that alter the natural state of the immune system, contain genetic material altered from their naturally occurring state by human beings or utilize cells or other genetic material derived at any time from the tissue of aborted human embryos. "

[Marnica]

I think you can only selectively vax with a philisophical exemption no??

I was under the impression that religious exemptions are all or nothing. You have to religiously object to the PRACTICE of vaccinating.

Since all vaxes alter the naturally occurring state of the immune system, you are saying you basically are opposed to all of them.

So if you submit this, but continue to selectivley vax make darn sure nobody finds out!!

[kiara7]

:

religious exemption is opposed to the practice of vaccination. Also, check to see if they have a standard form. Our TX form just says something like "religiously opposed". The less info and explanations, the better imo.

[KoalaMommy]

In TN you have to state your beliefs, that's what the form says.

Like I said, I have friends who very publicly only rejected one vax on religious grounds. we don't have a philosophical exemption.

Here's how the law governing exemption reads:

"In the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat thereof, this section does not not apply to any child whose parent or guardian files with proper authorities a signed written statement that such immunization and other preventative measures conflict with the religious tenets and practices of the parent or guardian affirmed under penalties of perjury. "


Since the law about vaccines lists several vaccines, I take "such" to mean the list of vaccines, leaving open the possibility of objecting to some but not all. Don't worry about the perjury part, I have it covered if necessary, but I'd like to possibly cover it in my objection if at all possible as well.

[kiara7]

Here's the sample form from the Dept. of Education:

http://tennessee.gov/education/schoo...ormED-5379.pdf

Is this the same as what you've found?
It does look like you can deny some...

[KoalaMommy]

hmmm, no. I'm going off of the state physical form that says if you're claiming a religious exemption you need to submit in writing your religious objection. But that form is nifty. I think maybe we'll use it. It doesn't seem to say we have to do all or nothing. I like that in a form.