"Bad Mommy Form" is coming to California schools

[ma2two]

Here is a Power Point presentation by the CA Dept of Public Health regarding the new Tdap requirement for 7-12 graders. http://www.sdiz.org/documents/Sch-CC/AB_354_Webinar_12-8-10.pdf

If you scroll down about halfway, you'll see the new personal beliefs exemption form to sign, specific for the Tdap.  It's kind of hard to read, so here it is, form CDPH 8261

"I hereby request exemption of the child named above from the pertussis (whooping cough) immunization requirement for school entry because such immunization is contrary to my beliefs.

The unimmunized child and the child’s contacts at school and home are at a greater risk of becoming sick with pertussis which can be life-threatening for young infants and can cause prolonged illness at any age.

I understand that, for the protection of the child and other students, the child may be excluded from attending school for prolonged periods during each outbreak of pertussis after each exposure to someone with pertussis."

Notice the difference between that and the following, which is the personal beliefs affidavit for every other vaccine.

“I hereby request exemption of the child, named on the front, from the immunization requirements for school/child care entry because all or some immunizations are contrary to my beliefs. I understand that in case of an outbreak of any one of these diseases, the child may be temporarily excluded from attending for his/her protection." 

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/pubsforms/forms/CtrldForms/pm286b.pdf second page (back)

I would encourage California parents to cross out the second paragraph of the new form, and this wording from the 3rd paragraph: "for the protection of the child and other students"

California law does not require any specific wording on an exemption form. So parents can cross out objectionable wording on the pre-printed form, or write their own statement.

Edited by ma2two - 12/17/10 at 9:53pm

[thtr4me]

Just glanced through the presentation.  Looks like the campaign to inform parents of this will be quite misleading, and will lead parents to think that they MUST give this vaccine to their children.  I can imagine the part about exemptions will be glossed over not well disclosed.

[Turquesa]

For any of you in the San Diego area, I found these data interesting.

I only lived in the area briefly and don't know it super-duper well, but I find it interesting that some of those high PBE (personal belief exemption) rates occur in nicer areas. (A native to that area can correct me or shed more light on this)   I also see them in charter schools, which in theory attract parents who march to their own beat. 

[Emmeline II]

Originally Posted by Turquesa 

For any of you in the San Diego area, I found these data interesting.

I only lived in the area briefly and don't know it super-duper well, but I find it interesting that some of those high PBE (personal belief exemption) rates occur in nicer areas. (A native to that area can correct me or shed more light on this)   I also see them in charter schools, which in theory attract parents who march to their own beat. 

There have been a couple of studies that showed that non/selective vaxers tend to be upper-middle income, married, and with post secondary education-- those running the study had anticipated that it would show that those who don't fully vax were poor/uneducated/single parents. I think Pediatrics did a study in 1997.

[Jinjabread]

I find it very interesting and somewhat suspicious that they are making pertussis vaccinations mandatory.  Has anyone done any research on this?  Pertussis is a bacterial infection.  A vaccine would have no effect against it, as it is not a virus. 

[WildKingdom]

Why do you think that vaccines are not effective against bacteria, and only viruses?  Pneumococcus, HiB, Meningococcus, tetanus, and diphtheria are all caused by bacteria.

[member234098]

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Edited by member234098 - 5/29/12 at 8:27am