Attempt to get exemption - need help

[isign]

DS has high functioning autism. In the fall, when he turns 3, he will be eligible for Developmentally Delayed preschool at the public school. We were told that once he turns 3, he must either go to this school, or else he would not be eligible for services through the state. He has been vaxed through 12 months, when I decided that I wanted to stop due to the research I'd been doing.

The problem - we only have medical exemptions in this state. I've heard through various therapists that people are getting exemptions. I found a message board where several ladies said they have gotten exceptions for philosophical or religious reasons, but they have not responded to emails or posts asking for more info. His Dr said that she would sign any necessary paperwork, but I was informed today but the EI coordinator (who does not share my vax beliefs) that the man who is over the health departments in our area does give exemptions.

I am trying to decide if it's worth giving him the last few vaxs to get him the services he needs, something I really don't want to do.

I am also trying to get my ducks in a row so to speak before I call this man and ask about exemptions. Can anyone shed some light on this?

[TanyaS]

Unless you are in WV or MS, then you have access to either religious and/or philosophical exemptions. What state do you live in?

[isign]

MS. Lucky us

[serenbat]

but I was informed today but the EI coordinator (who does not share my vax beliefs) that the man who is over the health departments in our area does give exemptions.

your state has medical and the Dr is willing- GO OVER HIS HEAD!!! you have rights

[TanyaS]

If your doctor is willing to fill out the necessary paperwork, then you should be able to try to obtain the medical exemption. Here is some info on MS exemptions:

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

I would hope there is some sort of appeals process available if your exemption is denied. I would take it all the way to the top and make a lot of noise if I had to. You won't know if you can get the exemption until you apply for it.

[isign]

Where do I get the paperwork? I asked at the health department and was told they didn't know what I was talking about.

Do I have to have specific grounds for a health reason, other than I believe my child has been harmed by them?

I know this are simple, basic questions, but I don't know anyone who has done this.

The EI coordinator said she wouldn't send him w/out them because who knows what diseases he'd come home with.

[Emmeline II]

Originally Posted by isign

Where do I get the paperwork? I asked at the health department and was told they didn't know what I was talking about.

Do I have to have specific grounds for a health reason, other than I believe my child has been harmed by them?

I know this are simple, basic questions, but I don't know anyone who has done this.

The EI coordinator said she wouldn't send him w/out them because who knows what diseases he'd come home with.

Here is a form from the Mississippi State Department Of Health. There is someone from the state that has to approve it (as in WV), but the EI Director is NOT that person.

Mississippi Medical Exemption Form

Mississippi Medical Exemption Information

Medical Exemption Policy
The child's pediatrician, family physician or an internist, who must be duly licensed in the state of Mississippi, may submit a letter requesting the medical exemption for their patient to the local public health District Health Officer. The exemption will be granted unless there is a local or statewide occurrence of disease which would indicate that the exemption will cause "undue risk to the community."
The exemption expiration date will be based on the circumstances for the exemption and will be for a minimum of one school year. If any of the vaccine-preventable diseases for which the child has not been adequately immunized are occurring in or threatening to occur in the community, the child will, for the safety and benefit of him/herself and other children, be excluded from school until the infectious disease is no longer present, or is no longer a threat to the safety and welfare of the child or other children in the school.
Requesting a Medical Exemption

• The child's pediatrician, family practitioner or internist licensed in Mississippi must write a letter to the District Health Officer for the child's county of residence, requesting an exemption from specific vaccines for school entry. The letter must contain the child's name and date of birth, the specific vaccine(s) for which the exemption is requested, as well as the medical reason for the exemption request.
• The District Health Officer will reply by mail, and supply a Medical Exemption Form 122 for the physician to provide for the child.

Have you been to a DAN Dr.?

[~Charlie's~Angel~]

Originally Posted by isign

The EI coordinator said she wouldn't send him w/out them because who knows what diseases he'd come home with.

Measles, Chicken pox, rotavirus? OH THE HORROR!!!!!

[TanyaS]

Originally Posted by isign

The EI coordinator said she wouldn't send him w/out them because who knows what diseases he'd come home with.

I have to wonder what kind of cesspool the EI coordinator thinks this place is.

[isign]

Thank you all so much for the help. I FINALLY got in touch with someone who knows one of the moms who got an exemption for their child. This mom helped get an exemption for a mom who has been fighting for 6 years! Seems that the new State Epidemiologist for the Mississippi State Department of Health, Dr Currier, has changed the policy allowing for more exemptions to be granted, specifically for autistic children and their siblings. Yippee! The reason on the mom's exemption - mother does not wish to vaccinate, and the time line - until mother chooses to do so. Things are changing!!

I'm picking up shot records and 121 form & shot records from the Dr tomorrow, and hopefully will have the letters/forms for the Dr to sign by Monday and to the health officer by the end of the week.

Say lots of prayers for us!!