Hi there,  
 
My wife and I have read all the evidence from both sides of the vaccination argument. We have invested countless hours reading medical reports and medical studies and all kinds of evidence for and against vaccinations.  
 
That being said we have made up our minds to not vaccinate our children, so I am not on here to debate vaccinations nor do I want to be insulted or preached to about vaccinations.  
 
All I am on here for is to ask questions to other parents who do not vaccinate.  
Our child is approaching school age and I want to know the battle you had with the school board and what we need to do to make sure that our child will be able to get in.  
 
Did you have to fill out an exemption form?  
 
Were you insulted by Doctors or nurses?  
 
What do we need to present to the school to make sure we can get in?  
 
Did you face any discrimination?  
 
 
All the info I can get from those in a similar situation would be greatly appreciated.  
 
Thank you.  
 
And continue down the road to good health.  
 

Im not 100% sure how it will go.over for you as from what i know vaccinations are mandatory for a child to attend public schools. I vaccinate my kids, my son had chicken pox before his first birthday therefore did not receive that vaccination amd i was sent letters from the school and public health regarding it i would call each time into public health and explain why he hadnt got the vaccination and i think finally tjey must have noted it somewhere. I would suggest you call public health and talk to somewhere there regarding the concern you have!

mum13579 said "Im not 100% sure how it will go.over for you as from what i know vaccinations are mandatory for a child to attend public schools. I vaccinate my kids, my son had chicken pox before his first birthday therefore did not receive that vaccination amd i was sent letters from the school and public health regarding it i would call each time into public health and explain why he hadnt got the vaccination and i think finally tjey must have noted it somewhere. I would suggest you call public health and talk to somewhere there regarding the concern you have! "

According to the Official Health Canada Website.  
 
 
"Unlike some countries, immunization is not mandatory in Canada: it cannot be made mandatory because of the Canadian Constitution. Only three provinces have legislation or regulations under their health-protection acts to require proof of immunization for school entrance. Ontario and New Brunswick require proof for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella immunization. In Manitoba, only measles vaccination is covered. It must be emphasized that, in these three provinces, exceptions are permitted for medical or religious grounds and reasons of conscience: legislation and regulations must not be interpreted to imply compulsory immunization. Requiring proof of immunization for school entrance serves two main purposes. First, parents who have forgotten to have their children properly immunized will be reminded and can rectify the situation. Second, parents who do not wish to have their children immunized must actively refuse and sign documents attesting to that fact. "  
 
 
I will post the official Link Below.  
 
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/webarchives/20071212103611/http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/97vol23/23s4/23s4b_e.html  
 
 
I am looking for answers from families that do not vaccinate please.  

A few families who choose not to vaccinate their child and were entering the public school system. The early years are difficult as you are continually harrassed about why and what not. If your doctor is willing, and most aren't, but see if you can get a letter from your doctor regarding your child's health and include it with registration to be keep on file at the school, it may help. As a personal note and a parent I wish families who choose not to immunize would home school. There is enough infections in the school without a child attending who has not been immunized! It was your "educated" decision to not immunize your child and therefore accepting the risks but it was not mine or any other parents who's child attends school with your child. I would not accept a child in daycare who was not immunized. It's just not worth the risk to me or the other children who attend. Hopefully , for the sake of your child, starting school is an enjoyable and healthy experience!

Go complete the task you have taken on.  
 
Get in touch with the school your kids are going to and spill it out. Nothing anybody here can do for you.  
 

ece2 said "A few families who choose not to vaccinate their child and were entering the public school system. The early years are difficult as you are continually harrassed about why and what not. If your doctor is willing, and most aren't, but see if you can get a letter from your doctor regarding your child's health and include it with registration to be keep on file at the school, it may help. As a personal note and a parent I wish families who choose not to immunize would home school. There is enough infections in the school without a child attending who has not been immunized! It was your "educated" decision to not immunize your child and therefore accepting the risks but it was not mine or any other parents who's child attends school with your child. I would not accept a child in daycare who was not immunized. It's just not worth the risk to me or the other children who attend. Hopefully , for the sake of your child, starting school is an enjoyable and healthy experience! "

I came on here to ask a few simple questions and I knew I would get judgements.  
 
 
First of all if vaccines work so great, and you have all your kids vaccinated, then why worry about a childhood disease, I should be the one who is worried...no?  
 
 
I am not on here to debate vaccines.  
 
I have done plenty of research and have even talked with Doctors and Health professionals who share my beliefs.  
 
You would think that if I sent my child to a school full of vaccinated kids that my child would be the one at risk right???  
 
Because vaccines are supposed to work right???  
 
Don't give me the BS excuse that my unvaccinated child is going to cause an outbreak......foolishness  

I can't recall any form that I've been asked to complete that asks for proof of vaccination or even if they are "up to date".  
 
My kids have been vaccinated but on a very, very delayed schedule. No one but my mother was worried about it.  
 
Our nursery school did ask if we were "up to date" and I just didn't fill it in. We weren't questioned & if I had been, my answer was that my kids can't be vaccinated on the advice of our doctor.  
 
And, to support your position, vaccines are safe for the majority. But, some of us get the "lucky" break of having a child who is in the minority. It's a hard choice to make and ultimately, we do the best we can with the information we have.  
 
Best of luck. Your child's vaccination status is no ones business.

sorry i do not have children so i cant help with your OP but i just wanted to say that i agree with you. like another poster stated, i do not believe you HAVE to disclose your child's vaccination record to anyone but may be asked for it. i would think its up to you to disclose the info or not. i do not think a daycare or a school can discriminate against a child who isnt vaccinated but i may be wrong???  
 
just because a child isnt vaccinated against a disease or illness does NOT mean they wont get it. it just means that they "should" be less affected by it with symptoms that arent as severe as a child who isnt vaccinated. having an unvaccinated child near your vaccinated child will not do any harm, imo. that is what i have gathered from my research anyways.

call down to the public health centre and the school division and they should be able to help you with your questions.  
 
good luck!

The truth is, the OP is likely more informed on vaccines than the rest of us. I looked into it when my kids were first vaccinated and made the choice to vaccinate. However, I didn't have the access to google like we do nowadays and didn't do the research I could do now. On that note, OP, I feel for your frustrations. Our family is also going the more natural route medically and are frustrated with the lack of support, the harrassment, etc. I really hope that changes in our society, or we are headed down a very unhealthy path.

morethanenough said "The truth is, the OP is likely more informed on vaccines than the rest of us. I looked into it when my kids were first vaccinated and made the choice to vaccinate. However, I didn't have the access to google like we do nowadays and didn't do the research I could do now. On that note, OP, I feel for your frustrations. Our family is also going the more natural route medically and are frustrated with the lack of support, the harrassment, etc. I really hope that changes in our society, or we are headed down a very unhealthy path. "

for your post,  
 
However not all of my research was done through online resources. I also read studies published in medical communities and also sat down with both a mainstream doctor and a naturopathic doctor.  
 
I also took the info I got and crosschecked it with opposing studies and after 2 years of research in various forms, is when I formed my own personal opinion.

I called RRSD and the lady there told me that she has never had anyone ask what needs to be done to get an unvaccinated child into school. She suggested that you call Brandon School Division and see what they say because they may have different policies than RRSD, but in RRSD the secretary at the school is the one to talk to in regards to what is needed.  
Ps My kids are vaccinated but I wouldn't worry if they were in school with kids who are not - who knows - maybe they are!

Sent you a P.M. Check your eBrandon Inbox.

From what I understand, it is not the school division but public health that will notify you if your child is not vaccinated. They notify the school as well about any such students, but I believe it is public health that governs this. Call down to their office and check into it before school starts.

I have one partially-vaccinated child and 2 non-vaccinated ones (we tend to have medical issues in the family that makes vaccination unsafe, including 2 adverse reactions).  
 
The issue has never really come up. I think I signed something for preschool saying no vaccines, but otherwise no one has asked. It's a medical decision between myself, my spouse and our doctor.  
 
My greater concern is when they come into the school to provide boosters, whether or not my kids would get vaccinated without my consent or knowledge.

I don't see why its the school's business in regards to your kids health, vaccinated or not, so I would suggest to talk to your local health nurse about the matter . It's not the school who gives the vaccinations in the first case....

They likely won't say a thing. I doubt they'll even ask! If they do tell them your choice and that's that. They can't force kids to get vaccines.

Abbysmum said "I have one partially-vaccinated child and 2 non-vaccinated ones (we tend to have medical issues in the family that makes vaccination unsafe, including 2 adverse reactions).     The issue has never really come up. I think I signed something for preschool saying no vaccines, but otherwise no one has asked. It's a medical decision between myself, my spouse and our doctor.     My greater concern is when they come into the school to provide boosters, whether or not my kids would get vaccinated without my consent or knowledge. "

Don't worry they give you oodles of paperwork to fill out beforehand and you DO NOT have to allow them to vaccinate your child at school or anywhere else.  
 
My daughter has been vaccinated for most things, slightly behind schedule most of the time lol.  
 
She has never had any vaccines at school, she is not good with needles period, and some 'shots' I am not comfortable with her having. This past year for example they were doing the HPV vaccine with girls her age, I declined it completely for various reasons.  
 
This one along with others done at the school the entire class (or just the girls in the HPV one) are called down to receive it. My daughter told them that she was not getting any shot done at the school, when they put some pressure on her she simply said it again, and added please call my mom at ______..... They dropped it. I have found that it is important for kids to understand how you feel about things and your decisions for the same. They also need to understand that it is ok to say no to adults in 'power positions' (respectfully of course)and to know that you as their parent will always have their back

Abbysmum said "I have one partially-vaccinated child and 2 non-vaccinated ones (we tend to have medical issues in the family that makes vaccination unsafe, including 2 adverse reactions).     The issue has never really come up. I think I signed something for preschool saying no vaccines, but otherwise no one has asked. It's a medical decision between myself, my spouse and our doctor.     My greater concern is when they come into the school to provide boosters, whether or not my kids would get vaccinated without my consent or knowledge. "

they won't, you have to sign a form before they'll do it in school, they can't do it if you haven't signed.

I recently received a letter from the Government of Canada regarding my sons immunizations. I had his first shot with public health and all others with our family Dr. Due to a paperwork error one of his shots was not recorded correctly. The letter I got told me to contact my Dr immediately to rectify the situation. I would imagine if the Canadian Government was tracking it so closely there must be some regulations regarding non-vaccinated kids and schools.  
 
Side note. I am a parent of a 1 month old who is clearly too young to be vaccinated and is in the highest risk group for many things. I also have another child of school age. I am not allowed to send anything with peanut butter in it to school. I do this in order to protect a child in another grade who will, most likely, not even come in contact with mine as the ages are so far apart. It seems to me that if I am expected to do this then I should expect to be notified if my child comes in contact with others who are not vaccinated. I do not judge those who make that decision as it is theirs to make. BUT if it is my responsibility to protect others children then it is yours to protect mine.  
 
I am more aware of this currently as I was just informed that the vaccination for pertussis (whooping cough) needs a booster for our generation. (Not sure of details, but I THINK it is for people born before the mid 80's) Also with the recent deaths in MB from whooping cough and a little baby in our family, this makes me very nervous and has this thread hitting a little closer to home.

Lisa said "I recently received a letter from the Government of Canada regarding my sons immunizations. I had his first shot with public health and all others with our family Dr. Due to a paperwork error one of his shots was not recorded correctly. The letter I got told me to contact my Dr immediately to rectify the situation. I would imagine if the Canadian Government was tracking it so closely there must be some regulations regarding non-vaccinated kids and schools.     Side note. I am a parent of a 1 month old who is clearly too young to be vaccinated and is in the highest risk group for many things. I also have another child of school age. I am not allowed to send anything with peanut butter in it to school. I do this in order to protect a child in another grade who will, most likely, not even come in contact with mine as the ages are so far apart. It seems to me that if I am expected to do this then I should expect to be notified if my child comes in contact with others who are not vaccinated. I do not judge those who make that decision as it is theirs to make. BUT if it is my responsibility to protect others children then it is yours to protect mine.     I am more aware of this currently as I was just informed that the vaccination for pertussis (whooping cough) needs a booster for our generation. (Not sure of details, but I THINK it is for people born before the mid 80's) Also with the recent deaths in MB from whooping cough and a little baby in our family, this makes me very nervous and has this thread hitting a little closer to home. "

How does that make sense? If your children are vaccinated then why would you be concerned if they came into contact with a non-vaccinated child? You avoid nuts at school because they can be deadly for that child, your vaccinated child should have any problems when encountering a non-vaccinated child. That's comparing apples to oranges, and your logic there doesn't make sense.

Not that I'm saying people should vaccinate or not vaccinate. I'm not getting into that. But I believe the concern of being exposed to children who are not vaccinated is this:  
 
Vaccines make you more resistant to, not immune to, disease. So a non vaccinated child is more likely to get a more severe and strong form of the illness, which may then be strong enough to infect the vaccinated children who may otherwise not get the illness.  
 
But of course, there's so many decisions parents make that have an affect on other children. We all come into contact in this world, and personally whether someone is vaccinated or not isn't really high on my list of concerns. But I do understand where the people who are concerned are coming from. I just think there's more iminent 'threats' to worry about.

i too used to get letters about chicken pox vaccination, i just threw them out, eventually they stop coming

Brandy said "    Abbysmum said "I have one partially-vaccinated child and 2 non-vaccinated ones (we tend to have medical issues in the family that makes vaccination unsafe, including 2 adverse reactions).     The issue has never really come up. I think I signed something for preschool saying no vaccines, but otherwise no one has asked. It's a medical decision between myself, my spouse and our doctor.     My greater concern is when they come into the school to provide boosters, whether or not my kids would get vaccinated without my consent or knowledge. " Don't worry they give you oodles of paperwork to fill out beforehand and you DO NOT have to allow them to vaccinate your child at school or anywhere else.     My daughter has been vaccinated for most things, slightly behind schedule most of the time lol.     She has never had any vaccines at school, she is not good with needles period, and some 'shots' I am not comfortable with her having. This past year for example they were doing the HPV vaccine with girls her age, I declined it completely for various reasons.     This one along with others done at the school the entire class (or just the girls in the HPV one) are called down to receive it. My daughter told them that she was not getting any shot done at the school, when they put some pressure on her she simply said it again, and added please call my mom at ______..... They dropped it. I have found that it is important for kids to understand how you feel about things and your decisions for the same. They also need to understand that it is ok to say no to adults in 'power positions' (respectfully of course)and to know that you as their parent will always have their back "

I have a non-verbal child, so she isn't able to "speak up" for herself, so to speak. Quite frankly, they shouldn't have to, as they shouldn't be coming close to a child with a needle unless they have a form in front of them and confirmed the ID of the child.  
 
I'm concerned about mass vaccinations as a class where she would just get one anyway, regardless if there's consent or not.

Abbysmum said "    Brandy said "    Abbysmum said "I have one partially-vaccinated child and 2 non-vaccinated ones (we tend to have medical issues in the family that makes vaccination unsafe, including 2 adverse reactions).     The issue has never really come up. I think I signed something for preschool saying no vaccines, but otherwise no one has asked. It's a medical decision between myself, my spouse and our doctor.     My greater concern is when they come into the school to provide boosters, whether or not my kids would get vaccinated without my consent or knowledge. " Don't worry they give you oodles of paperwork to fill out beforehand and you DO NOT have to allow them to vaccinate your child at school or anywhere else.     My daughter has been vaccinated for most things, slightly behind schedule most of the time lol.     She has never had any vaccines at school, she is not good with needles period, and some 'shots' I am not comfortable with her having. This past year for example they were doing the HPV vaccine with girls her age, I declined it completely for various reasons.     This one along with others done at the school the entire class (or just the girls in the HPV one) are called down to receive it. My daughter told them that she was not getting any shot done at the school, when they put some pressure on her she simply said it again, and added please call my mom at ______..... They dropped it. I have found that it is important for kids to understand how you feel about things and your decisions for the same. They also need to understand that it is ok to say no to adults in 'power positions' (respectfully of course)and to know that you as their parent will always have their back " I have a non-verbal child, so she isn't able to "speak up" for herself, so to speak. Quite frankly, they shouldn't have to, as they shouldn't be coming close to a child with a needle unless they have a form in front of them and confirmed the ID of the child.     I'm concerned about mass vaccinations as a class where she would just get one anyway, regardless if there's consent or not. "

The Public Health Nurse giving the vaccinations is responsible for ensuring the identity of the recipient and that consent has been given by the parent/guardian. The child will not be pressured!!  
 
If you do not want your daughter to have additional protection against cervical cancer then that is very much your choice.

I also did not vaccinate my son who is almost 5 now! He has never had as much as a cold in his life! I think that the majority of the drugs the doctors give you are poison! I was just diagnosed with MS and was absolutely fine until they decided I needed to be on a Steroid for it. I took it for 2 weeks and it was poison!!My heart was beating 150bpm and I constantly felt like Death. Doctors arent miracle workers and I dont listen to a thing they have to say! Just eat healthy and get all of your vitamins and you and your kids will be fine! Dont put poison into their little bodies!!

Iwonder said "I also did not vaccinate my son who is almost 5 now! He has never had as much as a cold in his life! I think that the majority of the drugs the doctors give you are poison! I was just diagnosed with MS and was absolutely fine until they decided I needed to be on a Steroid for it. I took it for 2 weeks and it was poison!!My heart was beating 150bpm and I constantly felt like Death. Doctors arent miracle workers and I dont listen to a thing they have to say! Just eat healthy and get all of your vitamins and you and your kids will be fine! Dont put poison into their little bodies!! "

How did you get an MS diagnosis if you don't got to doctors and there was nothing wrong with you to begin with? My guess is you were seeing a Dr. to help with problems you were having, problems that arose even though you ate your veggies and took some vitamins?? To say you were fine before the steroid is BS since you were sick enough to go to a Dr. in the first place. You don't listen to a thing they have to say? Then why go see one? Quit wasting tax payer dollars and stop going to the Dr. alltogether if you don't believe in them.  
 
Honestly, your post is so contradicting it doesn't even make sense! You shouldn't be handing out advise until you get your own story straight.

Iwonder said "I also did not vaccinate my son who is almost 5 now! He has never had as much as a cold in his life! I think that the majority of the drugs the doctors give you are poison! I was just diagnosed with MS and was absolutely fine until they decided I needed to be on a Steroid for it. I took it for 2 weeks and it was poison!!My heart was beating 150bpm and I constantly felt like Death. Doctors arent miracle workers and I dont listen to a thing they have to say! Just eat healthy and get all of your vitamins and you and your kids will be fine! Dont put poison into their little bodies!! "

So almost 5, means he is not in school yet. No matter how many veggies and vitamins you give him, he is going to be subject to MANY viruses once he is in full time. Just be prepared.  
 
To the op, the choice is definitely yours to make. I have vaccinated my children, and do want all my daycare kids vaccinated. But however saying that, I do have kids in daycare who are not. And they are perfectly fine. Contact the school division office, and ask them directly what the protocol is. Or as stated contact the Public Health Nurse. They are very informed and will give you the knowledge you need for back to school. I don't suspect you will have a problem. All our notices came from the Public Health Nurse around the time that school around. We did have an error with one vaccination, so we did receive notification to rectify that before school. So given the choice I would contact Public Health, as they seem to be the ones who stay on top of it.  
 

My 17 yr old daughter has not been vaccinated from the day she was born.  
Make sure to Send a letter into the school regarding No shots to be administered.  
We never had a problem, but we didn't into any discussions about Vaccinations.  
If your Doctor won't work with you, find a new one. As you can see this isn't a easy topic, a lot of people are brainwashed...

Collect medical information such as vaccinations as per PHIA, Personal Health Information Act and FIPPA, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  
 
 
 
Edited by Momma Cat, 2012-08-13 19:25:17