Yet another vaccination exemption question

[grumpybear]

I understand that AK only allows exemptions for religious reasons.
We do not belong to a church here. My DH went to a Methodist church where he grew up.
The only church that we've been sort of going to is a Baptist church and we don't even go that regularly.
So is my only option to vaccinate my son when by the time he is of school age?
Anyone who's BTDT?
I'd appreciate a PM if you don't feel comfortable discussing publicly.
Thank you.

[alegna]

You don't need to belong to a church to use a religious exemption.

-Angela

[1stimestar]

Alaska's religious exemption is very loose. You only have to sign a waiver.

[roadfamily6now]

Originally Posted by 1stimestar

Alaska's religious exemption is very loose. You only have to sign a waiver.

And get is notarized.

I have used it for my 4 kids.

[1stimestar]

Oh yea, you do have to get it notarized. It's a PITA. But if you have a bank account, they will normally do it for you for free.

[Pinoikoi]

I got exemptions for one of my sons with no problem. He has a seizure disorder, and our ped filled out the form for me before I even asked for it. HOWEVER, he worked at ANMC, and is no longer there..

but medical exemptions DO exist!

[Millicent]

Dr Ty Vincent in the Mat Su Valley does medical exemptions.   As for religious reasons, do you believe God endowed your child (and your breastmilk) with all the defenses he or she needs?  That's how I like to frame it.  As for Baptist affiliation, many vaccines are produced from aborted fetus cell lines, which goes against any Bible believing denomination out there.

[Rik-E]

Nope, does not need to be notorized although you can if it makes you feel more secure. My son's exemption is notarized because the charter school had forms & a notary on hand at registration. My daughter is attending a mainstream public preschool for speech & hers is not notarised -- it is not required by the state.
 

Originally Posted by roadfamily6now 

Originally Posted by 1stimestar

Alaska's religious exemption is very loose. You only have to sign a waiver.

And get is notarized.

I have used it for my 4 kids.

[Rik-E]

Just what I believe!  I have a nice essay I found online saved to explain it if the school ever asks.

Originally Posted by HBACtivist 

Dr Ty Vincent in the Mat Su Valley does medical exemptions.   As for religious reasons, do you believe God endowed your child (and your breastmilk) with all the defenses he or she needs?  That's how I like to frame it.  As for Baptist affiliation, many vaccines are produced from aborted fetus cell lines, which goes against any Bible believing denomination out there.

[roadfamily6now]

Originally Posted by Rik-E 

Nope, does not need to be notorized although you can if it makes you feel more secure. My son's exemption is notarized because the charter school had forms & a notary on hand at registration. My daughter is attending a mainstream public preschool for speech & hers is not notarised -- it is not required by the state.
 

 

Oh, well that makes it easy. I just assumed it needed to be since the from came ready with a notary space.

[Rik-E]

I have no idea why the notary space is there since it isn't required?  But I checked since I did not know ahead of time that my sons school would have a notary and it is not needed.

Originally Posted by roadfamily6now 

Oh, well that makes it easy. I just assumed it needed to be since the from came ready with a notary space.

[RubyLu]

I'm so glad I read this! We're moving to AK and I'd figured we'd have to deal with the vax situation when our DD entered school (unlike here in WI, where you can claim ideological exemption). Now I know what to do. :-)

[1stimestar]

Originally Posted by RubyLu 

I'm so glad I read this! We're moving to AK and I'd figured we'd have to deal with the vax situation when our DD entered school (unlike here in WI, where you can claim ideological exemption). Now I know what to do. :-)

Where I lived previously, we had a philosophicla exemption.  They don't have those here either so I use the religious one with no problem. 

[onyxravnos]

we use the religious exemption and we are pagan with no church. You just fill out the little form and call it good. they can't question you about beliefs or what church you go to as it opens them up to a religious discrimination issue.

[roadfamily6now]

Looking for a link to the exemption form????? Please

[hippiemommaof4]

this may not be a popular answer but if anyone ever asked you specifics(which they arent allowed to do anyway)  I would lie :-) it's none of their business anyway . I lie all the time when I dont want to be harassed about it at the ER or doc office "are they updated on shots" me- "sure" . I feel like those are just some things I have to do at times and it doesnt have anything to do with how I normally live my life in other aspects so it doesnt bother me.

[1stimestar]

Here you go Tammy.

http://www.nvic.org/Vaccine-Laws/state-vaccine-requirements/alaska.aspx

[roadfamily6now]

Thanks!

[brightonwoman]

yeah, i'm going with the religious one i think. I figure God gave me the responsibility to do my best for my kids, and this is what i think is best... I even prayed about it, so that TOTALLY makes it a religious exemption, right? :)

FWIW, I know other members of my faith who aren't ok with the religious exemption, because our church gives money to buy measles vaccines for africa, and stuff like that. So my friends say that they figure the church is pro-vaccine, so they won't use that exemption... However, I think there's a big difference between what they do for villiages in africa, and what I do for my kids in a place with running water and decent sanitation...

In any case, yeah, I don't think it really takes mental gymnastics to justify a religious exemption--whether you are religious or not. Everyone has a personal 'religion' whether it is organized or just their personal philosophy of life. :)