Harassing calls from the local health dept!

[Serenyd]

This is the second call I've got in as many months, asking me if I knew my son was behind on his vaccinations. I've explained that we are delaying his vaccinations until school age (They are required for school entry here in MS) and my reasons for delaying. They are getting more aggressive, wanting to know who my child's doctor is, and if I have signed a waiver! ARGH! Should I be worried? I'm afraid they are going to call our ped about it now.

[Mrsboyko]

Well, does your Pedi know your intentions? I assume so since you aren't venting about them. Really, there is nothing they can do. It is your right as a parent to make vaccine decisions. Personally, I'd just not answer their calls. If you just want them off your case, you can say they were done i na diferent county and do not give them any more info thatn that, no doc name or any of that ("Oh, I can't reacall the doc's name right now...")

[nataliachick7]

tell them they are discriminating against you.... tell them you have religious objections to vaccines. i have a religious exemption for my sons daycare.

[Turquesa]

"We have made our decision. The matter is not up for discussion."

I learned those magic words on this forum. Repeat them ad nauseum. Or just hang up. But don't be bullied.

[claddaghmom]

I would turn it right around on them. They are asking all kinds of questions...you do the same..."What's your name again? What's your position? What's your location name and address? What's your call back number? What policy are you reading? How did you get my information?" etc etc.

Make it so you get more information from them than they get from you.

[AnnieNimIty]

I don't know if this would work for you, but I just told them that we were delaying, so stop contacting us. Why is your personal medical information any of their business anyway? I mean, can they legally ask your Dr. medical information?? I thought there was Dr. Patient confidentiality.

[AnnieNimIty]

Originally Posted by claddaghmom

I would turn it right around on them. They are asking all kinds of questions...you do the same..."What's your name again? What's your position? What's your location name and address? What's your call back number? What policy are you reading? How did you get my information?" etc etc.

Make it so you get more information from them than they get from you.

This is good too.

[claddaghmom]

Originally Posted by ObliviousAnnette

I don't know if this would work for you, but I just told them that we were delaying, so stop contacting us. Why is your personal medical information any of their business anyway? I mean, can they legally ask your Dr. medical information?? I thought there was Dr. Patient confidentiality.

Ohh yeah! Add those questions too. "Is this violating HIPPA? Did you get my medical records from my doctor? Do you have written permission from me to view my medical records?"

[ZoeyZoo]

I'm thinking they got your info from a vax registry in your state so they are not violating HIPPA or anything.

As far as I'm aware MS only requires it for school entry if you don't have a medical waiver. I think as a homeschooler you can get around it. I'm sure you can get confirmation off one of the vax sites or the homeschoolers forum.

I had something similar happen for the PKU test but it can only be turned down in my state due to religious reasons. They were calling multiple times per day every day. I told them it was done out of state and to take me off their list. They tried to get my doctor, etc. but they never called back.

[Deborah]

Asking to speak to their supervisor is always a good more, too. Remind them that you are a taxpayer, that as a state employee they are actually meant to be providing services to the public, which includes you, and that you find this invasion of your privacy completely contrary to any form of public service.

And ask for a copy of the law which requires them to call you and bug you about your child's vaccine status.