Medical vs. Religious exemption - is any one better?

[Maxine45]

My son's naturopath agreed to write a medical exemption for us today. And I offered to provide him with an example to use, as he's never written one before.

As I'm searching around, I'm mostly finding information on the religious exemption.

We live in Oregon, the medical or religious are our only options.

Is there a reason why the medical would be preferrable to the religious exemption?

Also, does anyone have an example of a medical exemption? I'm trying to secure my son a place in preschool and need to get this stuff all hammered out but it's pretty confusing.

[Fyrestorm]

My understanding is that a medical exemption is for each vaccine individually (in other words, you will need one for each vaccine that you are not getting) and they have to be renewed each year. They are subject to review and rejection in most states.

I also doubt that they would accept a medical exemption from anyone other than an MD.

You are much safer and better off taking a religious exemption.

Here is a link to the exemption for CT

http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/infect...ption_form.pdf

You should be able to find your state here:

http://www.vaclib.org/exemption.htm

[Maxine45]

thank you, that's all news to me so I appreciate it.

[Sheryl1678]

That is my understanding as well which is why we claim religious reasons for not vaccinating. It is more of a blanket opposition to the whole vaccination process.

[Maxine45]

It's a little trickier for us, as we are selectively/delayed vaxing.
However, the Oregon religious exemption also allows me to list the specific vax's I'm opposed to.
So it looks like I can go either way and they both hold the same amount of weight.
I guess an exemption is an exemption under the law, neither is more meaningful.

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by Maxine45

It's a little trickier for us, as we are selectively/delayed vaxing.
However, the Oregon religious exemption also allows me to list the specific vax's I'm opposed to.
So it looks like I can go either way and they both hold the same amount of weight.
I guess an exemption is an exemption under the law, neither is more meaningful.

I don't think this is the case. If you claim a religious exemption you are stating you are oppsed to the practice of vaccination

A statement signed by the parent that the child has not been immunized as described in paragraph (a) of this subsection because the child is being reared as an adherent to a religion the teachings of which are opposed to such immunization.

Being opposed to certain vaccines and not others is a philsophical issue, not a religious one.

[Maxine45]

The state of Oregon allows a person to name selected vaccines that they are opposed to on the Religious Exemption.
I just need to figure out if there's a form someplace to fill out, or if I just write a letter.
And if I write a letter, whether I'm better off with the medical.
IT's very confusing, especially with each state having their own process.

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by Maxine45

The state of Oregon allows a person to name selected vaccines that they are opposed to on the Religious Exemption.
I just need to figure out if there's a form someplace to fill out, or if I just write a letter.
And if I write a letter, whether I'm better off with the medical.
IT's very confusing, especially with each state having their own process.

This is amazing. I didn't know any states allow one to pick and choose vaccines with a religious exemption!!! I thought this was more philisophical?? Well I guess given what you want to do than you are in luck.. here this may help you http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/imm/docs/SchExempt.pdf

looks like you just sign section C of the immunization certificate and indicate which vaxes you are opposed to...no letter writing required.

Also as for a medical exemption, I doubt you will find a doctor to sign your letter unless your LO has had a serious adverse reaction to a previous vaccine. I believe only MD's can sign medical exemptions regardless of what state you are in...if this is not the case I would love to know which states allow an ND to sign a medical exemption!

[ZoeyZoo]

Originally Posted by Marnica

This is amazing. I didn't know any states allow one to pick and choose vaccines with a religious exemption!!! I thought this was more philisophical?? Well I guess given what you want to do than you are in luck.. here this may help you http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/imm/docs/SchExempt.pdf

looks like you just sign section C of the immunization certificate and indicate which vaxes you are opposed to...no letter writing required.

Also as for a medical exemption, I doubt you will find a doctor to sign your letter unless your LO has had a serious adverse reaction to a previous vaccine. I believe only MD's can sign medical exemptions regardless of what state you are in...if this is not the case I would love to know which states allow an ND to sign a medical exemption!

Oregon basically says that strongly held personal beliefs are enough of a religion.

[Pirogi]

Originally Posted by ZoeyZoo

Oregon basically says that strongly held personal beliefs are enough of a religion.

Not just Oregon - it is federal law.

[shelbean91]

When my kids went to school, we asked for and filled out a vax exemption form. The school had them, no letter to write. Honestly, it's easier to do a blanket 'no vax' than selective vax b/c then you may have to debate why one is ok but the rest are not. I'd rather not discuss my issues with those people b/c I know I'm not going to change their mind, so no reason to have a one sided discussion. Have you asked the school if they ahve a form?

[laohaire]

Originally Posted by Pirogi

Not just Oregon - it is federal law.

While I agree with you - tell that to the state of New York (among other states). :

[Maxine45]

Originally Posted by shelbean91

When my kids went to school, we asked for and filled out a vax exemption form. The school had them, no letter to write. Honestly, it's easier to do a blanket 'no vax' than selective vax b/c then you may have to debate why one is ok but the rest are not. I'd rather not discuss my issues with those people b/c I know I'm not going to change their mind, so no reason to have a one sided discussion. Have you asked the school if they ahve a form?

No, that's a good idea. I should just ask the school.

[shelbean91]

When you do, be firm. They sometimes like to question you if you seem unsure of yourself. I just said 'Here's all the paperwork, I need to sign a vax exemption form.'

[Tofu the Geek]

The waiver is for the school so you don't have to produce proof of vaccination, correct? I'd likely just fill out the religious waiver for ALL vaccines which will cover any new ones that come out or any that are modified to become combos, etc. Then, if I wanted to choose certain vaccines, I'd just go ahead to my doc and get them done. The school doesn't get your child's medical records so it's not like they'll know your child was vaccinated with selective vaccines.

[rico43840]

Oregon Administrative Rule 333-050-0010 defines "Religion" for the purposes of immunization requirements to be "any system of beliefs, practices or ethical values." The Oregon Constitution also states in Article 1.

Section 2. Freedom of worship. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences.–

as well as

Section 3. Freedom of religious opinion. No law shall in any case whatever control the free exercise, and enjoyment of religious [sic] opinions, or interfere with the rights of conscience.–

and here is a link for a good website for info and forms

http://www.vaclib.org/exempt/oregon.htm

hope this helps.