Vaccines? Do I really have a choice?

[lilmissmommy]

Do I really have a choice to not vaccinate my child? I've looked up vaccination exemption laws and I found that there are 3 reasons for exempt: religious beliefs, personal beliefs, and medical necessity. I live in Puerto Rico and they only consider religious and medical exempts. Where do my rights as a parent start and where do they end? I would like to do what I believe in, but also would like to make sure that Í'm not breaking the law.

The last time he was vaccinated was when he was 4 months...he's seven months now and never got his 6 month vaccination. Are there legal consequences for this?

I'm going to be starting working full-time in August at a school. The school has a daycare. I want to enroll my 7month old baby. I decided to stop vaccinating him a few months ago. The last round of vaccines he recieved was when he was 4 months. Should I expect having problems enrolling him? Do I really need an exemption if I philosophically object to vaccines? Why is there so much pressure to do something that you don't believe in?

[mamadelbosque]

Of course you have a choice. You don't have to attend/be a part of any specific religion to avoid vaccines. Afterall, who can question anyone else's religious beliefs? If I say that I religiously do not believe in vaccines, who are you, or anyone else to question my beliefs?

[chaoticzenmom]

You DO have a choice, but it may feel like you don't. You may have to change doctors and become familiar with all of the ins and outs of the law. Call your dr's office and ask if they accept patients who don't vaccinate. If they say "no" then you will have to look for a new provider. Some have gone to more natural doctors such as homeopaths and naturapaths, chiropracters, etc. Some skip well-baby appts and just take the whole family to a family practitioner and only go when sick.

When it gets time for school/preschool, you will have to know the laws just in case you run into someone who's in charge, but doesn't know the law (ie, school nurse or principal).

[ammiga]

Yes, you do have a choice. I am fortunate enough to live in a state that allows for philosophical exemptions, but I also believe that a philosophical objection can easily translate into a religious one. Given what I believe about how vaccines affect the body and their dangers, and god has entrusted me to care for my children, it goes against my beliefs that god would want me to vaccinate my children. In fact, since I sincerely believe vaccinating harms children, and it is directly against my religious teachings that I harm my children, it is against my religious beliefs to vaccinate.

Does that mean that all people of my religion believe this? No. But I do, and that belief is sincere. I wouldn't call it the main basis for my objection, but it certainly translates easily into a sincere religious objection.

[lilmissmommy]

Is a lawyer necessary for exemptions?

[~Charlie's~Angel~]

I consulted one when drawing up my religious exemption. I found one that was an expert in this particular area. I drafted it, he proofed it, made what changes and additions he felt helpful, and I submitted it. I just felt better knowing someone who is very familiar with the laws gave me the thumbs up before turning that exemption letter in to my DCP.

I contact him once a year to make sure hes still around incase I need legal advice or support in this area. I dont plan to homeschool, so I will be looking for his guidance when it comes time to enroll my children in public school.