Can a private school refuse religious exemption?

[CapitanMama]

Can a private (Catholic) school refuse to accept a religious exemption? One parent is Catholic the other is not. We are in South Carolina. They require the shot record from the doctor even with the exemption form. Will a shot record stating 'declined ' satisfy the state requirement for them? I've researched the requirements on vaclib.org but now I'm confused and worried.

[ma2two]

"Once the parent signs the form and the form is notarized, it becomes a legal certificate in SC and should be recognized as such by any school."

http://www.statelibrary.sc.gov/scedocs/H3496Wom/001574.pdf

[CapitanMama]

ma2two, thanks for the info and the link!

[universalbaby]

I have the same exact question. However, I do not live in SC. Does that apply everywhere? The nurse at our private (catholic) school called me and told me that they do not accept religious exemption because they are a private school and there is nothing in the catholic religion that goes against vaccines. But even though the school is catholic, they accept all religions. Is she legally correct? I am not sure how to find the answer.

[ma2two]

Originally Posted by universalbaby 

I have the same exact question. However, I do not live in SC. Does that apply everywhere? 

It depends on state law. What state are you in?

[universalbaby]

Thank you. Pennsylvania

[ma2two]

For Pennsylvania:

"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."

http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/028/chapter23/s23.84.html

See section (a) of this link. http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/028/chapter23/s23.83.html It shows that the immunization requirements apply to private schools the same as public schools. So the the exemption law that says "children need not be immunized" applies to all types of schools as well.

[HRJ]

If the school receives any gov't funds, they have to honor the state exemptions. Most private schools receive gov't funds through the school lunch program. My son goes to Catholic school and is on a philosophical excemption.

[ma2two]

Originally Posted by HRJ 

If the school receives any gov't funds, they have to honor the state exemptions. Most private schools receive gov't funds through the school lunch program.

I've never read an exemption law that mentioned receiving government funds.

The thing to worry about with private schools is they can refuse admission. So they can say it is for something else, even if it is for the vaccine exemption. So it's much safer to be accepted to the school before letting them know you will be using an exemption.

[universalbaby]

Thank you so much for response! When I read it I had baby in one hand and 5yr old running around so wasn't able to reply. But thank you!!

[Lilly113]

What about in CT, does anyone know if a CT parochial school accept a religious exemption?

[emmy526]

i live in Ct, and our town parochial school accepted it...call them and ask...if the school accepts any state/federal funds, then they have to accept the waiver too. 

Originally Posted by Lilly113 

What about in CT, does anyone know if a CT parochial school accept a religious exemption?