Exemptions in Florida

[CanidFL]

I just got back from the health department with no exemption

They told me my son needed to be enrolled in the Florida SHOTS program which I opted out of at his birth. I said I did not want him enrolled and they said if I don't enroll, I can not get an exemption. So I signed the paperwork and they said to come back later to get the exemption. I hope it isn't long but I am going to call before going over there.

I also tried to get an exemption for me. My midwifery school requires MMR and HepB. They told me at the health department you can not get an adult exemption. They are only for children under 18. Huh???

Does anyone know more about adult exemptions and how to get one in Florida?

Thanks.

[Marnica]

I hope someone from FL can help you because I think you were misinformed. From reading this it does not seem to indicate that your child must be enrolled in the SHOT program to obtain a exemption. In fact I think them denying you one based on this is not legal.

http://www.know-vaccines.org/exemptionFAQ.html

[tayndrewsmama]

Oh wow......that doesn't sound right at all. I hope someone with answers comes by soon!

[Marnica]

(877) 888-SHOT (7468)

call the SHOTS program and ask if this is true. I really think it is not. Nowhere in the FL statues about immunizations is there any mention that one HAS to be enrolled in this program. One has nothing to do with the other..in fact the Florida law states that if the exemption form is requested from the health dept, they CANNOT deny it and must give it to you.

as for exemptions for adults...you do not need an official one from the health dept...they are only for k-12 kids. As an adult you can decline vaxes. You would need to right a letter to the school about your objections. If the school receives any public funding I believe they can't deny you.

[mountainsun]

Mama, that does NOT sound right to me......I dont see where one has to do with the other.

A site that may help

http://www.know-vaccines.org/index.html

good luck!

[Emmeline II]

The statute doesn't mention SHOTS at all.

(5) The provisions of this section shall not apply if:
(a) The parent of the child objects in writing that the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with his or her religious tenets or practices;

Ok, they lied. I'd take the name of the person who held your exemption hostage and talk to their boss, their boss's boss, all the way up to your rep. There is NOTHING in Florida law that ties exemptions to SHOTS.

1. Except as provided in subparagraph 2., the department shall include all children born in this state in the immunization registry by using the birth records from the Office of Vital Statistics. The department shall add other children to the registry as immunization services are provided.
2. The parent or guardian of a child may refuse to have the child included in the immunization registry by signing a form obtained from the department, or from the health care practitioner or entity that provides the immunization, which indicates that the parent or guardian does not wish to have the child included in the immunization registry. The decision to not participate in the immunization registry must be noted in the registry.
3. The immunization registry shall allow for immunization records to be electronically transferred to entities that are required by law to have such records, including schools, licensed child care facilities, and any other entity that is required by law to obtain proof of a child's immunizations.

From KNOW:

If the county's procedures include requirements for counseling and/or waiting periods after the request is made and before the certificate is issued, ask where the statutory authority for requesting additional administrative details or imposing this additional burden on you comes from. This information is important for understanding how this county is attempting to circumvent the statutory limitations of this mandate.

... know that all county health departments have been directed by the Bureau of Immunization to issue a religious exemption when requested. The provisions of the statute must be uniformly applied by all agents acting on behalf of the state. (100WDS.)

Always verify "help" sites with the actual statutes. KNOW says that religious exemptors are registered

[notneb]

Subbing...

We opted out of the SHOTS program and will be getting an exemption in a few years when DS starts school. I hope the person you talked to was misinformed.

[CanidFL]

Thanks ladies! I got his exemption today and will opt out of the SHOTS asap.

I will have to talk to my school more about their vax requirements....

[minkajane]

Hoping for more info on adult exemptions. I'm hoping to attend midwifery school in FL next year and I don't want to get vaxed. I was fully vaxed up until a couple of years ago (thank you USAF ) so I can go for the titers, but if they're low, what can I do? Are there any laws regarding healthcare workers and vaxes. I'm concerned about getting through school and/or maybe getting a job at a birth center without getting vaxed.