school exemption form in MA-how to begin? and more questions . .

[beautifulboy]

We have just moved from to MA and will soon be navigating the system here as we prepare to send our DS to preschool (next fall).  We are planning on delaying vaccinations indefinitely, until our child is a much older child.  The situation is complicated by the fact that we did have DS vax'd - Hib, Prevnar, DTaP - at 6/7/8 mos but have now stopped altogether.  We are researching how to do a school exemption for a private preschool and then later, for a public elementary school in the state of Massachusetts.  Anyone have any tips?    

Also, do I have to tell my pediatrician that I have religious views that support my decisions?  Has anyone had trouble with a Massachusetts public school system with an exemption?  Anyone BTDT and just want to offer some kind words of encouragement?

Thanks in advance! ! 

Edited by beautifulboy - 11/24/10 at 5:16am

[PingPong'sMom]

We're in the same boat. Dd will be three in February. We are selectively delaying; so far, we've selected none. 

First we read this:

http://www.vaccinechoice.org/index.php/site/C9/

This, from my understanding, means

*there is no standard letter to print off and sign

*religious and medical exemptions are honored

And from what I've learned through reading this board and others, I need to choose a few preschools to apply to/choose and see which one will take the exemption w/out much grief. I do fear if I choose one my dd *must absolutely* attend, that I'll be forced to make a decision between what I think is *the best school* and her vaccination status/health. Preschool just isn't worth that much to me. There are poor ones, there are crowded ones, there are better ones and even better ones. I'll choose the best one we can afford and who takes our exemption. 

Also, x-post in the MA tribe, there are lots of families there who delay-select-no-vacc there who can give you more information!

Good luck, mama and welcome to MA!

[beautifulboy]

Thanks for the link.

Our issue gets even more complicated with preschool because I would like to send DS to a preschool we have already chosen, and we sort of know the people who run it through community and family connections.  It has been my dream since moving here to send DS there, it's an arts-based program.  I guess we will have to just be frank with them, we're going to visit in the next couple of week to investigate.  I know someone else who sent their kids there and have not vaccinated..and I have to talk to that family...did they lie to the preschool?  Or just hand them the form?  

Edited by beautifulboy - 11/24/10 at 5:17am