Disclosure of immunization status for playgroup?

[Pirogi]

I work FT out of the home, and my daughter is cared for during the day by a childcare provider in our home. She was in a group home care setting for a while, but her provider moved away and we weren't able to find another provider that is a good fit for her outside of our home. She is also very outgoing and needs interaction with other kids, but we live in a very rural area where there just isn't much in the way of play groups. I have found a group associated with a church, and although I am not keen on organized religion, it looks like a great way for her to socialize. The "Policies" letter that the group gave me states, "Please disclose on your application if you don't immunize your child."

We don't vaccinate for religous reasons. I guess I don't think that there is really any reason to disclose this for a playgroup that meets once a week for 7 play dates total. I would have the sense to keep my child home if she had a VPD, and I really am not worried about any VPD that she would be likely to catch from the group. It isn't required by any law for me to show proof of vaccination or exemption for a playgroup, and there is no part of the application form that asks for proof of vaccination. Also, since our reasons are religious in nature, and this is a group from a religious organization, I am concerned that it would make it a bit awkward for my daughter to bring attention to the fact that we do not share the dominant religious belief system in this area, and that we are in fact part of a minority religion.

Is this something that you would disclose for this purpose?

[Marnica]

Well, I think it depends. I mean the form does ask you to disclose if your child is unvaccinated. I would have to wonder why this is however. If they are not asking for proof of vaccinations or exemptions, than I would be inclined to keep my mouth shut.

[MountainMamaGC]

If they are just asking for disclosure than I wouldnt mention it. I feel thats nobody's business.

[peainthepod]

I wouldn't say anything since it's really none of their business. They can ask, but you shouldn't feel obligated to tell them. People ask inappropriate questions all the time, but that doesn't mean we have to give them answers.

[serenbat]

First I would have a real problem with the group being of a different faith and how that might effect what is "preached" but that is not the question- I think they may be asking because they might have a large % that do not vac and they might not want the "shedding" risk and dealing with others that are not comfortable with unvaced kids. This might be to "weed-out" more so than to be nosey. I would do some asking prior to filling out the form.

If it would come out you might be looked upon as not being honest and that might be a greater issue dealing with a religious group.

[blessedwithboys]

i'm wondering why in the world you would have to fill out an application for a playgroup? what is this world coming to?! lol

since its a church, is it actually part of a daycare? maybe in that case you would be req to show vax record/exemption?

[Pirogi]

No, I don't think the group is associated with the daycare they run at the church. I emailed telling them I was interested, and also asked them why they were asking about vaccinations and how this information would be used. I haven't heard from them.

I doubt there is a large percentage of unvaxed kids here. This area is quite traditional in terms of childbirth and parenting. We don't even have a LLL leader within 2 hours.

Yes, I was concerned about proselytizing, but there are slim pickings here. If the group does email me back, we plan to give instructions to our DCP that she needs to leave with my daughter if there is overt preaching going on.

[mamadelbosque]

I can't imagine filling out a form/application for playgroup... that just seems... crazy. I think I'd leave it blank though, I mean, really, whose buisiness is it??

I understand the rural area part though But, I found playgroups in our area - one run by Help Me Grow and the other through the local MRDD school, both are totally open to the public and free and lots of fun... I'd check around, I'm sure theres other playgroups around that are free and don't require a freaking application!! Good Luck!!

[an_domhan]

Originally Posted by Pirogi

Is this something that you would disclose for this purpose?

While I agree that vax status is really none of their business, I probably would... I think I might ask why they want to know before doing so, sort of like:

"I'm very excited to have DC participating in the playgroup. I'm confused over part of this application, and am wondering why immunization status is even relevant? I'd have to go digging around in the medical records to see exactly which vaccines DC has had, but don't really understand why it really matters. Can you please explain what you are wanting from me, and why?"

I might ask how they intend to use the information as well. I really don't care about vax status and don't really care who knows. If they are brave enough to discuss my choices to my face and not behind my back, all the better as far as I'm concerned.

[poppan]

I realize you have started down one path already... but the way it was worded sounds like it's not an actual question on the application, and is instead some kind of P.S. that you're supposed to tack on if you read through all the policies. In that event, I'd be inclined to fill out the application to the best of my ability/comfort level, and just pretend I did not read the policies part and omit my "P.S. I don't vaccinate". I don't think it's really their business, no one else is being asked to furnish any proof of immunization, and if you are ever asked directly, if you don't want to lie you could tell the "truth" and say "oh I didn't really read through everything, was that something you asked for". It's only a 7 week program, I think the chances of it coming up are very slim, and I know from experience that a lot of parents don't read most of the papers that go home (even if they sign them!). I just wouldn't want to open that can of worms. But I'm a little secretive like that.