MEdical Exemption in NY - need opinions asap please!

[Judegirl]

Hi there,

We were planning to enroll dd in a wonderful part-time Montessori program and did not think that her vax-free status would be an issue after talking with the director (long story, but I didn't realize they needed to be accountable to the state health codes). It turns out that they are subject to the law - and if we want to enroll her we need to provide a non-refundable deposit down tonight, about 2.5 hours from now.

Her progressive-thinking homeopathic ND has sent us a medical exemption letter (multiple food sensitivities and a weakened immune system hx of recurrent fevers and digestive symptoms), but it needs to be an in-state doctor, and NDs are not licensed here.

We're new to this area. What do you think the chances are that a) we will be able to find a conventional NY doctor to write a letter before January, when the program begins, and b) a letter about multiple sensitivities and immuno concerns will be sufficient to grant the medical exemption?

We can't afford to lose the deposit. We also really need to get her into this program. (NY does not have philosophical exemption.)

Thanks in advance for any quick votes/opinions/advice!

Jude

[Ophelia]

Is there a reason you can't use the religious exemption?

See NY: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=953402

How to word a religious exempt: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...2&postcount=27

[Judegirl]

Thanks for the response...I posted here right away to maximize responses, but learned while waiting how difficult it is to get a medical exemption. It is very, very difficult. We'll not gamble our deposit on that possibility, then.

Thanks again,
Jude

[Ruthla]

I think you're better off with a religious exemption- medical exemptions tend to be limited (like avoiding only the MMR for an egg allergic kid but still giving DTaP and whatever else is egg free) and are subject to being reconsidered periodically as the medical situation may change.

BTW, what part of NY are you in?

[spero]

Originally Posted by Judegirl

What do you think the chances are that a) we will be able to find a conventional NY doctor to write a letter before January, when the program begins,

Highly unlikely that a doc would consent to a medical sign-off on all "required" vaccines.

I'd use a religious exemption. Use the NYSED exemption form, and be SURE to state your opposition to the PRACTICE of vaccination. Do not mention individual vaccines. Very, very important in NYS.