Vaccine Exemptions in CT

[greenmama07]

Does anyone have any experience using Exemptions for Pre-K's in CT? I live in Norwich and would be using Religious Exemption but just wondering in general what kind of response other moms have gotten.
Thanks

[FiveZip]

I asked my DD's pediatrician about that when we moved to CT. When I told her that I hesitated to use the religious exemption, she said that she usually writes a letter about a child's certain or all vaccine exemptions. I am not sure if that is enough or if problems still arise because my DD is too young and doesn't go to daycare.

[greenmama07]

I just started contacting the Preschools I'm interested in and the first one said they would accept the Vax Exemption, we'll see what happens with the others. So far so good. :0)

[greenmama07]

The other two schools will accept the Exemptions as well so that's great. I thought I was going to run into problems and be left with one school choice if any. Yeah! I hope the Catholic schools are as nice when it's time for him to start regular schools.

[FiveZip]

I'm glad that the schools you are looking into are working with you on exemptions. Good luck to you!

[greenmama07]

Thanks! Now I just have to find a Doctor in this area that will accept DS as a patient. The one I wanted to go to is 45min to 1hr away and it was just too far to go if he gets sick. His old Dr. is about that far away now too.

[Mommyto2girls]

Originally Posted by greenmama07

Thanks! Now I just have to find a Doctor in this area that will accept DS as a patient. The one I wanted to go to is 45min to 1hr away and it was just too far to go if he gets sick. His old Dr. is about that far away now too.

Call Kendra Musante in Mystic...she is an awesome person and wonderful Dr.

[greenmama07]

Thanks. Our insurance doesn't cover Naturopath doctors unfortunately. Maybe I can see how much they charge for going out of network.

[wwisdomskr]

she's also a pediatric APRN (nurse practitioner), so check if your insurance will cover that

[MindfulBirth]

Originally Posted by FiveZip

I asked my DD's pediatrician about that when we moved to CT. When I told her that I hesitated to use the religious exemption, she said that she usually writes a letter about a child's certain or all vaccine exemptions. I am not sure if that is enough or if problems still arise because my DD is too young and doesn't go to daycare.

I would not trust that to hold up with the schools. Your only options in CT are medical (which are for specific vaxes due to a specific condition and have to be renewed every year) or Religious. It is SOOOO easy to just sign the form saying that you have religious objections. No questions asked (I used to live in NYC where we had to write a letter and wait for the Board of Ed to decide if our religious convictions were "sincere"). You don't have to claim any particular religion. My pastor does not even know that we don't vax. If you are an athiest and have a problem with signing something that says "religious" exemption, you will need to decide if your atheism outweighs your desire to not vax.

Sorry, I don't know of any non-vax friendly pedis in your area.

[Mommyto2girls]

Have you checked with Gales Ferry Pediatrics? I have heard good things about them.

I actually grew up in Norwich and I know Norwich Pediatric is very pro-vax and would prob give you a hard time.

Is East Hampton too far for you to drive? East Hampton Family Practice is great. Dr. Hanke is really good and I have heard good things about them.

[greenmama07]

Thanks. I did hear of Gales Ferry when I first asked for advice on here but then I heard some not so good things. I might check into them anyway, maybe if I go for consultation I'll be able to decide.

I'm not sure how far E. Hampton is but I'll have to look at the map. We're new to the area so I'm not sure exactly what towns are closest but I will check it out.

Thanks so much.

[1stTimeMama4-4-10]

I'm in CT also, and although we are quite a ways off from needing to deal with this issue, I just though I would ask what we can expect when it's time for school as opposed to pre-school. I think we will likely go the public school route, and I just printed out the legal requirements for vaccinations. Eventually we will consider polio, DTaP, and MMR. I don't want any of the others, and I'm not sold on the ones I listed. Anyone have any experiences they can share about what they did in this situation? I am leery of using the religious exemption because that's really all or nothing, and I AM willing to do SOME vaccines.

[MindfulBirth]

In CT it is ALL or NOTHING. So.. you either have to have a pedi who will keep any vaxes given a secret, or fudge your health forms if you are planning to selectively vax.

You could find a second pedi, who you pay out of pocket, to give the vaxes you want and tell your main pedi that you are not vaxing at all and have them fill out the health forms accordingly. Of course, if there was a measles outbreak at the school and your child was told they could not come to school for several months until all known cases were cleared, you would have to keep quiet about your child having actually received the vax or risk being in legal trouble. I'm guessing you could also be in legal trouble for knowingly lying to the school about the vaxes, too, if they ever found out, but you should check on that.