Letter of religious explanation for GA?

[creolegirl]

I was asked to send in a letter to my child's school, explaining our reasons for not choosing to immunize. Explanations based on religious reasons are said to be acceptable, though there's no mention of how much in detail. I've already given them our religious exemption form, but they need the additional notarized letter on file for an upcoming audit this year. So as I'm reading GA law, I'm not sure if it's really necessary to elaborate in detail our beliefs or even list out each vax, as I've read about for other states. I would much rather keep it brief by stating something like 'we object to the administration of immunizations due to our religious beliefs'. Could someone clarify for me? Anyone from GA done a letter like this? Thanks!



Georgia – Ga. Code Ann. § 20-2-771 (e)
This Code section shall not apply to a child whose parent or legal guardian
objects to immunization of the child on the grounds that the immunization
conflicts with the religious beliefs of the parent or guardian; however, the
immunization may be required in cases when such disease is in epidemic
stages. For a child to be exempt from immunization on religious grounds, the
parent or guardian must first furnish the responsible official of the school or
facility an affidavit in which the parent or guardian swears or affirms that the
immunization required conflicts with the religious beliefs of the parent or
guardian.

[Fyrestorm]

As far as I can tell, you don't need to give them anything else. If they won't get off your back, tell them that you need the request in writing along with the applicable law that requires it.

[mammabunny]

My husband is getting this (below) notarized today and then I am submitting it to my son's preschool tomorrow morning. As far as I know, that's all I need to do. I will let you know if I am told anything different. Perhaps your school would just like you to give them something "notarized." You could just take what you already wrote notarized, your bank should do it for free.

================================================== =======

VACCINATION EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO THE OFFICIAL CODE OF GEORGIA ANNOTATED § 20-2-771


Education, Part III, Health, Ga. Code Ann. §20-2-771. Rules of Department of Human Resources Public Health,
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs.§ 290-5-4-. 01 to .09.


A child may be exempted on religious grounds if a parent furnishes an affidavit swearing that the immunization required
conflicts with the religious beliefs of the parent. The immunization may be required in cases when such disease is
in epidemic stages. O.C.G.A. § 20-2-771(e). Religious belief in divine healing through faith not to excuse refusal to
have children vaccinated. Anderson v. State, 84 Ga. App. 259 (65 SE2d 848) (1951).


Pursuant to the aforementioned Code Ann. §20-2-771, I, the undersigned, declare the immunization requirements as
set forth in O.C.G.A. § 20-2-771(e) contrary to my bona fide religious beliefs and request, as permitted by the law,
an exemption from the immunization requirements of your institution for the undersigned minor child under
my legal care or guardianship.

NAME ______________________________________

SIGNATURE__________________________________

ADDRESS____________________________________

___________________________________________

PHONE______________________________________

DATE_______________________________________


___ Check here if declaring exemption for a minor child and enter child's name below.


MINOR CHILD'S NAME _________________________________________


Subscribed and signed before me this ______ day of _________, 20______


__________________________________________________ ___________
Notary’s Signature and Seal

[creolegirl]

I may just have another letter notarized with a brief statement, as I've already given them the exemption form which was also notarized. Mammabunny, my exemption form was similar to yours. I'm wondering if it was really read, or if they just got hung up on the 'explanation' wording by the health dept.

[Emmeline II]

I would just give them a copy of the law and a statement that your exemption fulfills the requirements of the law. Your law does not require an explanation of beliefs.