Vaccine Registry Questions

[cyberfish]

Does anyone know if those state vax registries are only for children's records or are they putting adults in them too? I'm in PA.

Normally I don't go to doctors unless it is a major problem but I have this annoying thyroid issue that I can only deal with via mainstream medicine at this point. After moving to this state I just finally made an appt. with a new family practice doctor who is part of a huge system. On the paperwork you fill out, buried in the middle of the consent to treat form, was a statement that this practice participates in the state vax registry and that they will forward vax info to that registry. I crossed that section out, wrote something to the effect of I am opting out, DO NOT include me in this registry, initialed it, and signed the form.

So my questions are:

1) Do they put adults in this? Obviously I didn't get any vaxes but on the health history form I checked "no" where they ask if I've had Hep B, Pneumococcal, etc. etc.

2) Is my modification of their form legally binding? Or are they going to do whatever the heck they please with my records? :

I thought about using them for my daughter in the event that she needs "conventional" medicine for anything but now I'm having second thoughts on that.

Thank you for any information you might have! :

[Marnica]

I'm pretty sure the registrties only pertain to children. It is away for the state to monitor vaccine compliance for the school systems.

It was in that paperwork b/c you went to a FP doctor where they treat children as well. Had you gone to an internist or "adult" only doc, you would not have seen this type of thing.

[Jugs]

Many states only track vaccination of children 18 and under, but Pennsylvania tracks all ages. And unfortunately... Pennsylvania doesn't allow you to opt out of the registry :

http://www.immregistries.org/public....=Details&id=42

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by Jugs

Many states only track vaccination of children 18 and under, but Pennsylvania tracks all ages. And unfortunately... Pennsylvania doesn't allow you to opt out of the registry :

http://www.immregistries.org/public....=Details&id=42

Another state I will never move to!

[cyberfish]

and

Oh, man that annoys me. Thank you for the link and info. Annoyance not directed in your general direction.

So let me add more possibly stupid questions. My job here in PA is only renewable for 1 more year and I'm thinking no more PA for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is their homeschooling law system. So...

1) Does this registry, assuming my daughter and I are now on it, follow us to another state?

and

2) Is there a map/list of states that either have not yet implemented this registry or "allow" you to opt out?

I searched that immregistries site and did not find anything like that. The whole thing made me want to :Puke

Especially disturbing was this:

Immunization registries are operational or under development in all 50 states. Most are funded entirely or in part under the federal immunization grant program

Perhaps this explains why states "require" doctor physicals for school entry (we opted out with a religious exemption for preschool/daycare).

[Jugs]

At this point the states are not yet linked (though I'm sure its only a matter of time), so your record in PA's registry is not accessible in another state. This link lets you check each state's policy:

http://www.immregistries.org/public....gs/regMain.php

[newmum35]

Originally Posted by Jugs

Many states only track vaccination of children 18 and under, but Pennsylvania tracks all ages. And unfortunately... Pennsylvania doesn't allow you to opt out of the registry :

http://www.immregistries.org/public....=Details&id=42

Egads!! That's my state! I wonder if my son is there - are peds required by law to input info into the registry? They never mentioned anything to me

[newmum35]

Originally Posted by cyberfish

and
My job here in PA is only renewable for 1 more year and I'm thinking no more PA for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is their homeschooling law system. So...

What is the homeschooling law in PA?? I haven't heard about it. I have a toddler and am starting to think about these issues. Geez, hadn't realized my state was so bad!!

SO, what states are looking good for us? I'm starting to consider moving to another state too - only Im not sure we can afford it switzerland is looking pretty good right about now lol (had read some quite favorable things recently)

[cyberfish]

Again, thank you Jugs. That is most helpful information.

I'm thinking my daughter might not be on it. But calling to ask will put her on their radar. Sigh.

Originally Posted by newmum35

What is the homeschooling law in PA?? I haven't heard about it. I have a toddler and am starting to think about these issues. Geez, hadn't realized my state was so bad!!

SO, what states are looking good for us? I'm starting to consider moving to another state too - only Im not sure we can afford it switzerland is looking pretty good right about now lol (had read some quite favorable things recently)

I'm ready to move to my own private island. Right now I'm trying to figure out what's best based on personal preferences, vax laws, homeschool laws, etc etc. Apparently Canada is not so bad as the U.S. but I'm not a big fan of cold. :

In PA you still need to apply for vax exemptions if you are going to homeschool. They also "require" doctor and dentist exams yearly. Plus there is standardized testing every few years and you need to be evaluated to make sure your child isn't being educationally neglected. I have not yet had to deal with it but there are other PA mamas who have lots of experience. http://askpauline.com sorts it all out nicely.