Need help please, Moving to Virginia

[miriamlee]

Hi

I am moving to Virginia from Australia soon with my two boys.  Neither boys have received any vaccinations.

Here in Australia vaccination is not in anyway compulsory.  Non-vaccinated children can attend school, day care etc. without question.  Vaccination is encouraged but ultimately it is a parent's choice to do so or not.

From all my reading I understand the situation is very different in America. 

I found this religious exemption form on the Virginian Department of Health website

http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epidemiology/immunization/documents/SchoolRegulations/cre_1.pdf 

Do I just need to fill it out?  Is it excepted everywhere? ie. daycare, school etc.

Can you be asked to explain your religious objection to vaccination? 

What about things like swimming lessons, activities etc.?  Are you asked for proof of vaccination?

Sorry if some of these questions sound a little silly but I never realised that not vaccinating our children would be an issue.

I would really appreciate any help anyone can give me.

Thanks

[Marnica]

I wish things were more like they are in Australia!

All you need to do is fill out the form and have it notarized. No you should not get into any discussions about religious beliefs. Some states do what is called sincerity testing (NY) but not in VA.

You need an exemption for all licensed daycares, preschools and private/public schools. It terms of camps and activities and lessons and suh, it is up to the place if they require them and if they do whether they ask you to show proof or not. If they do, you can try using the exemption, but legally they don't have to accept it and can deny your child if they choose to.

[miriamlee]

Thank you so much for the information.

We have found my son a daycare center and they are sending me the enrollment forms next week.  I have not spoken to them about vaccination.  How do I know if they are licensed?  And if they are licensed to they have to accept the exemption form?

Thank you again

[Nicoleoleole]

Originally Posted by miriamlee 

Thank you so much for the information.

We have found my son a daycare center and they are sending me the enrollment forms next week.  I have not spoken to them about vaccination.  How do I know if they are licensed?  And if they are licensed to they have to accept the exemption form?

Thank you again

Hi! I used to live in Virginia and my cousins children went to a daycare (selectively vaxed). I asked her this and she said you can ask to see their liscense and if they have one, they have to accept the waiver. Unless it's a private home daycare.