Vaccines, PA and daycare

[Auraji]

I live in PA and my daughter is 16 months and currently not vaccinated. I just started working so she will have to start going to a daycare. The daycare provider gave me all these forms saying she needs to have a physical before going to the daycare and I need to get my doctor to sign some papers, etc. Apparently she cannot allow her to come, until this is done.

Is this the standard procedure?

[NKMama]

The physical is as is the form. It's a standard form the state puts out for all school/child care facilities for docs to sign. Most want you to have it before you start so they don't have to chase you down or dissolve your contract if you don't comply and submit it with a signature.
Since PA has only religious or medical vax exemptions, you can state your preference on the forms. If you need to submit a letter, mamas here can assist you. We have had no issues with either with daycare or preschool thus far.

[Auraji]

Originally Posted by NKMama

The physical is as is the form. It's a standard form the state puts out for all school/child care facilities for docs to sign. Most want you to have it before you start so they don't have to chase you down or dissolve your contract if you don't comply and submit it with a signature.
Since PA has only religious or medical vax exemptions, you can state your preference on the forms. If you need to submit a letter, mamas here can assist you. We have had no issues with either with daycare or preschool thus far.

I know the physical is required, they before said I could submit it within 60 days of her starting, but when I naively mentioned I don't vaccinate. It turned into here are the papers your doctor needs to sign before she can come here, no licensed daycare will take her without a physical done first. I'm ok with it since I really like this daycare.

I would love some help with a letter. You say I only have a religious or medical reason not to vaccinate here in PA . I'm not religious, so what should I say my reason is?

[Emmeline II]

CD 51 (formerly CY 51) Child Health Assessment

You could just write in the immunization block that you are religiously opposed to the practice of vaccination.

28 Pa. Code. § 23.84 (2007)
§ 23.84. Exemption from immunization.
(a) Medical exemption. Children need not be immunized if a physician or the physician’s designee provides a written statement that immunization may be detrimental to the health of the child. When the physician determines that immunization is no longer detrimental to the health of the child, the child shall be immunized according to this subchapter.
(b) Religious exemption. Children need not be immunized if the parent, guardian or emancipated child objects in writing to the immunization on religious grounds or on the basis of a strong moral or ethical conviction similar to a religious belief.
Source
The provisions of this § 23.84 amended through September 17, 1982, effective August 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3288; amended August 22, 1997, effective August 23, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 4317. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (164332) to (164333) and (129145).

[Auraji]

Thanks

[cyberfish]

A physical is not required either. There is a clause in the PA state code where you can say you are religiously opposed to physical and dental exams also. PA Code 23.45.