What to do in state with no philosophical exemption?

[wish]

We may be relocating to NH, a state that does not have philosophical exemption. We do not have a medical or religous reason not to vax. Our girls are unvaccinated and do attend public school. Do we have any options?  We would be relocating for a job.  I just can't imagine my girls having to have all of these vaccines at all, even more so having to have them before school starts again.  Any info is appreciated.

[Marnica]

One can find religion at any time you know. Now might be a good time to find some

Seriously though, NH has fairly easy requirements for filing a religious exemption. All you have to do is fill out this form and have it notarized

http://www.mothering.com/community/forum/thread/1309441/what-to-do-in-state-with-no-philosophical-exemption

Nobody has the right to question you about your personally held religious beliefs.

[SilverMoon010]

Like Marnica said, you can certainly find religion any time. I don't know if this is true for all states when it comes to religious exemptions but I know most states don't require you to belong to an organized religion and religious exemptions may be based on personal religious beliefs.  I certainly couldn't imagine resorting to getting the children caught up for school entrance if that is not what you want to do. There are certainly ways around it.  Just take a look at your state's requirements for exemptions and go from there.  As long as you follow the requirements, there should be no issue.  If for some odd reason there is an issue, there is always the option of hiring a lawyer if need be, but like I said, I don't think you'd even have to worry about that.  (I only always keep the option of a lawyer in my mind because I live in one of the more stricter states, but it sounds like your state may be much more lenient.)

You may want to check out Finding Your Tribe. Maybe there are some moms on there who have been there done that and can provide you with some reassurance/information.

[ammiga]

The line between philosophical and religious is very fine. I don't know if you are religious at all, but I believe vaxes are harmful (not religious reason). However, because of my beliefs about vaccines, I can find a million religious reasons to back-up not vaxing our kids. I would have no trouble filing a religious exemption.

[Mittsy]

I'd fudge a religious exemption in a heartbeat! Will be doing so in a few months actually....

[Peony]

I actually choose to file a religious exemption rather than a philosophical one in my state for couple reasons despite not being religious in any way. I've never been questioned but would deny to discuss my religious (or lack of) beliefs. 

[eclipse]

I would have no problem claiming a religious exemption, although I'm an atheist. I see it as a discriminatory practice to allow exemptions for people who are religious and not for those who aren't. I would have no problem flagrantly lying to defy a discriminatory law.

[MovnMama]

I have a religious exemption in my state (AK) currently and am, technically, not religious. My view is that the religious exemption extends to beliefs in general, and I sure do have some of those!

Honestly, the vibe I've met with (two different DCPs that are centers, and I work in public school system) is that the issue for them is mostly CYA. As in, if they don't have your exemption on file, whoo boy would they be in trouble. They don't really care if you have the card or the exemption, they just want your file complete if an auditor comes.

Fill out the form, get it notarized, and forgettaboutit!

PS... ditto to the person who said they can't question you about your religion either. If you have a problem with someone, go shopping for another school.