Yet another TB test thread

[NYCVeg]

Dd started nursery school and our state requires the TB test. We thought it would be covered under out vaccine exemption, but apparently it isn't. From what I've read, they don't do the Quantiferon test for young kids (and I hate to subject dd to another blood draw--she has to get them once or twice a year b/c she has severe and extensive food allergies). Any thoughts on this? How are the ingredients absorbed/processed by the body? What are the potential side effects?

I don't quite understand why this isn't covered under the exemption--it's not a vaccine, but it's still injecting toxins into the body.

[spero]

Are you in NYC? Thanks to Fyrestorm, I went digging and it appears that NYS has a few well-hidden TB statutes as well.

NYC Board of Education, Regulation of the Chancellor, Number A-710 (note that affiliation in a church is no longer required):

————————————————————————————————————————————
2.2 RELIGIOUS:

The NYC Health Code exempts from tuberculosis examination children whose parent/guardian objects to the administration of a tuberculosis examination due to bona fide membership in a specified religious organization whose teachings are contrary to tuberculosis examination or sincerely held religious beliefs which prohibit the administration of a tuberculosis examination upon his/her child. If the statement is made orally, notation, which includes the name of parent/guardian and date on which request was made, must be recorded on the child’s Cumulative Health Record, form 104S.

However, the appropriate official may require supporting documents or statements from the parent/guardian, or make an inquiry as to the basis of the religious beliefs, the bona-fide membership of the organization or the teachings of the specified religious organization. The exemption may be denied If, for example, it is determined that the opposition to tuberculin screening is based on philosophical rather than religious considerations.

http://www.vaclib.org/exempt/newyork.htm#laws

[loveyourohana]

I have the same problem here in Hawaii... anyone know how to get out of them here as well, I haven't found the answer yet...

Your right I have the same feelings about them as you do... it is still putting toxins in the body, and it is against everything that I believe in!!! Arghhhh...

Looks like the information that was left foro you from NYS is realy good.

[NYCVeg]

No, I'm no longer in NYC. I live in Washington, DC.

[spero]

Originally Posted by loveyourohana

I have the same problem here in Hawaii... anyone know how to get out of them here as well, I haven't found the answer yet...

Hawaii is notorious for its refusal to allow exemption to TB testing. There was a recent thread here about this.

Originally Posted by NYCVeg

No, I'm no longer in NYC. I live in Washington, DC.

Looks like TB testing for school-age children is "required" in DC (thought I cannot seem to find an actual statute - their State Department of Health website is incredibly frustrating to navigate, they have buried exemption info somewhere and there's no search function ); however, you can try submitting this letter and see what happens.

[loveyourohana]

I like the letter! Thank you... I am actually printing it and adding this to my sons file!