Question/Would Appreciate Advice

[sjsbates]

I am a new middle school teacher in a public school system, and I am against most, if not all, vaccines (vehemently against the swine flu vax).

Do you think I would ever be put in a position to recommend vaxing to parents (most likely the swine flu vax or Gardasil) or send home a letter in favor of vaxing, and if I am asked to, what should I do?
An extra concern I have is that I am pregnant. If the majority of the kids I teach go out and get vaccines made with live viruses, will I be more at risk?

I'm sure that legally they can't require me to espouse certain beliefs, but their application did include a part about not being anti-government or anarchistic.

I really wish that I could send home a letter asking parents to do research before vaccinating, but I'd rather not call attention to my dissent.

[A&A]

Originally Posted by sjsbates

I am a new middle school teacher in a public school system, and I am against most, if not all, vaccines (vehemently against the swine flu vax).

Do you think I would ever be put in a position to recommend vaxing to parents (most likely the swine flu vax or Gardasil) or send home a letter in favor of vaxing, and if I am asked to, what should I do?
An extra concern I have is that I am pregnant. If the majority of the kids I teach go out and get vaccines made with live viruses, will I be more at risk?

I'm sure that legally they can't require me to espouse certain beliefs, but their application did include a part about not being anti-government or anarchistic.

I really wish that I could send home a letter asking parents to do research before vaccinating, but I'd rather not call attention to my dissent.

My teaching contract states something about good PR. (I can't remember exactly how they worded it.) So yeah, they could let you go if it looks like you are dissenting with them.

The schools wouldn't recommending vaxing, per se, but they might send letters home stating that the health department recommends vaxes, and vaxing might occur on school grounds.

My advice: Pick and choose your battles. You may see a lot of things as a teacher that you might disagree with. You certainly can't fight all of them.

[amnesiac]

I think that as a teacher that's beyond your scope. I think that if it came up I might explain that the issue is best discussed with one's personal healthcare provider or the school nurse.

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by amnesiac

I think that as a teacher that's beyond your scope. I think that if it came up I might explain that the issue is best discussed with one's personal healthcare provider or the school nurse.

I agree...if they tried to make me send a letter home stating to come to school and get your swine flu vaccine, I'd refuse. Don't care what my contract said. As a teacher you should not be dispensing medical advice!

[hippiemommaof4]

I agree with everyone else! However, I just thought it was funny how they said you couldn't be anti government or anarchist...so now they tell you what you can believe or cant believe too, wow thats just...hmm I dunno ridiculous. What do they think you would do teach a bunch of middle schoolers to bust out anarchy on the public school system ROFL.

[AbbieB]

Originally Posted by hippiemommaof4

I agree with everyone else! However, I just thought it was funny how they said you couldn't be anti government or anarchist...so now they tell you what you can believe or cant believe too, wow thats just...hmm I dunno ridiculous. What do they think you would do teach a bunch of middle schoolers to bust out anarchy on the public school system ROFL.

Actually, they can't. It maybe in your contract but it's illegal to enforce this. (Darn, I sold my copy of teaching and the law a few months ago.)

Not that I am encouraging this behavior but couldn't any theoretical vax fliers just get forgotten under a stack of other papers?

[Turquesa]

Originally Posted by sjsbates

I'm sure that legally they can't require me to espouse certain beliefs, but their application did include a part about not being anti-government or anarchistic.

There's a vast difference between disagreeing in principle with one particular law or mandate....and being an anti-government anarchist! I'd honestly set that concern to rest.

I agree with PPs that the work will be up to the school nurse and admin if public schools truly end up converted into vax clinics.

Where it might affect you is when children take the note home to their parents...and you get the phone calls! You could pass the buck and tell them that the school nurse will deal with such concerns, or you could calmly explain to them that Tennessee law gives them the right to religious exemption. (The latter might get you in trouble with school officials, although you're technically not doing anything wrong).