Need advice ASAP on vax refusal in Illinois (regarding public schools)

[Shonahsmom]

My dd is in kindergarten in a public school in Illinois. I have selectively vaccinated her. When she received her MMR as a baby, she ran a dangerously high, hard to control fever for five days. We went to the ER twice and all the doctors we saw continously dismissed that the fever was due to the vaccine, although no other source of infection was ever determined. Anyhow, I remember reading that if a child experiences an adverse reaction to a vaccine, they will likely have an even worse reaction to the booster. Her school left me a message saying that if she didn't have the shot by Monday, she could not return to school (and this being the very first time they've ever brought it up). I am not getting her that vaccine. Period. So, can anyone give me any advice specific to Illinois? TIA!

[CallMeMommy]

Looks like Illinois has a religious exemption:

SUBPART E: EXCEPTIONS
Section 665.510 Objection of Parent or Legal Guardian
Parent or legal guardian of a student may object to health examinations, immunizations, vision and
hearing screening tests, and dental health examinations for their children on religious grounds. If a
religious objection is made, a written and signed statement from the parent or legal guardian detailing
such objections must be presented to the local school authority. The objection must set forth the specific
religious belief which conflicts with the examination, immunization or other medical intervention. The
religious objection may be personal and need not be directed by the tenets of an established religious
organization. General philosophical or moral reluctance to allow physical examinations, immunizations,
vision and hearing screening, and dental examinations will not provide a sufficient basis for an exception
to statutory requirements. The local school authority is responsible for determining whether the written
statement constitutes a valid religious objection. The parent or legal guardian must be informed by the
local school authority of measles outbreak control exclusion procedures in accordance with the
Department's rules, Control of Communicable Diseases Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 690) at the time such
objection is presented.
(Source: Amended at 20 Ill. Reg. 11950, effective August 15, 1996)

We have philosophical exemption in MN so I'm not sure on how you should word the exemption, but someone here should be able to help you with that.

[LongIsland]

In lieu of a religious exemption, you can also get a titer check done for measles antibodies. Ninety-five (95%) of entering kindergarteners are already immune.

You said you selectively vaccinated DD -- are there other vaccines/doses you are "missing?" If so, then you will have to use the exemption.

[Luckyinlife]

I'm here in Illinois with NO problems, here is the form that I use...Bring a copy of the law too!!!!!

To whom it may concern:

As parents, based on our personal religious beliefs,
we object to the following vaccination , including but not
limited to, Dtap\Dtap, HepB, Hib,
MMR, Polio, Varicella, for our child ___________.

OR this...


To Whom it may concern:


Our child's body is the temple of God.
Our family's personal religious beliefs prohibit the injection of foreign
substances into our bodies. To inject into our child any substance which
would alter his state into which he was born would be to criticize
our Lord and question His divine omnipotence. Our faith will not allow us
to question our Lord and God nor to challenge His divine power.
Our objection is based on our lifelong, deeply-held religious beliefs.
The vaccination of our child ______ violates laws put forth within us by a
higher force at the time of conception.
Our personal religious beliefs include our obedience to God's law, the
Ten Commandments, and we believe that we are responsible before God
for the life and safety of our child, created by God.


Sincerely,

[LongIsland]

Please note that in Illinois, the law states you must explain your beliefs. Below is a link to an Illinois vax group:

http://www.vaccineawareness.org/Illi...Exemptions.htm

This is a copy of a memo to Illinois schools regarding religious exemptions:
http://www.vaccineawareness.org/Illi...ption10_95.htm

Here's is a criteria guideline: http://www.vaccineawareness.org/Illi...nChart5_00.htm

Parents who object to health examinations or any part thereof, or to immunizations, on religious grounds shall not be required to submit their children or wards to the examinations or immunizations to which they so object if such parents or legal guardians present to the appropriate local school authority a signed statement of objection, detailing the grounds for the objection.