Changes to California’s vaccination law make it more difficult for parents to use medical exemptions to avoid immunizing their children before enrolling them in school.
The new law is meant to close loopholes in the 2015 vaccination law that eliminated so-called “personal belief” exemptions allowing parents to opt out of immunizing their children based solely on their personal beliefs.
Hearings on the proposed changes brought large crowds of opponents to the state Capitol. In exchange for his signature on Senate Bill 276, Gov. Gavin Newsom asked for a slate of revisions in the form of a second bill – Senate Bill 714 – that loosened some of the restrictions and tighten others. Newsom signed both bills Sept. 9.
Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, who authored the 2015 vaccination law, proposed changes to the law after a series of measles outbreaks in California and across the country. In his original proposal, doctors would have been required to submit all medical exemption requests to the California Department of Public Health, which would have had to approve them.
His bill would have required doctors to certify they examined the child and included in the request their name, their medical license number and the reason for the exemption. The public health department would have been required to keep a database of the exemptions and it would have the authority to revoke exemptions if they’re later found to be fraudulent.
After discussions with the governor’s office, the newly amended version of the bill retains many of the same requirements, but would only require review of medical exemptions by the Dept. of Public Health if a child’s school has an immunization rate of less than 95 percent, or if the doctor who signed the request has written five or more medical exemptions during the year.
To recap: Parents do not have to immunize their children. But under the law, children must be immunized against 10 serious communicable diseases – diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae Type B (bacterial meningitis), measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, rubella, tetanus, hepatitis B and chicken pox – if they want to attend public or private schools and child care centers. Studies have linked clusters of unimmunized children to outbreaks of measles, pertussis and varicella or chicken pox.
Students are affected by the immunization law only at certain grade-levels or other checkpoints: upon entering child care, transitional kindergarten/kindergarten or 7th grade, or when transferring into schools or child care from out of state or out of the country. Otherwise, the immunization status of students is not an issue.
How is the current law different from the previous law?
The 2015 vaccination law eliminated the personal belief exemption for required vaccinations. This exemption allowed parents to opt out of vaccinating their children by completing a form, signed by a health care practitioner, attesting that vaccinations were counter to their personal beliefs. The law also overrode an allowance for religious exemptions to vaccinations that was not explicitly in state law, but still allowed medical exemptions.
The new law adds state oversight to medical exemptions by requiring that the Dept. of Public Health review exemptions at schools with an immunization rate of less than 95 percent or if a doctor has written more than five medical exemptions in a year.
Any student with a medical exemption issued before Jan. 1, 2020 would not be subject to the new restrictions until he or she reaches the next vaccination checkpoint. At such points, students would be required to be vaccinated – or get a new medical exemption that complies with the law.
Temporary exemptions would be limited to one year, instead of allowing a doctor to determine the term.
Patients who had exemptions before Jan. 1, 2020 could have them revoked if their doctor has been subject to disciplinary action from either the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.
Can some children get exemptions from vaccinations?
Yes.
Medical:Medical exemptions will still be allowed, but will have added restrictions. Beginning Jan. 1, 2021 licensed physicians or surgeons will be required to write up medical exemption requests on a standardized electronic form that will be filed with the California Immunization Registry. The State Department of Public Health will monitor immunization levels at schools, as well as whether individual doctors have submitted unusually high numbers of exemptions.
The new bill states that children who may have been exposed to one of the 10 diseases and who don’t have proof they have been immunized for that illness may be temporarily excluded from school. They would remain out of school until the local health officer determines they are no longer at risk of developing the disease or transmitting it.
Homeschooling or independent study without classroom instruction: Students who attend a home-based private school or an independent study program without classroom-based instruction are not subject to immunization requirements for entry. Home schools and independent study programs are obligated to maintain records of students’ immunization status. Students in independent study programs that include classroom-based instruction must be vaccinated according to state laws.
Special Education: According to the California Department of Public Health “students who have an individualized education program (IEP) may continue to receive all necessary services identified in their IEP regardless of their immunization status.”
Is there an appeal process if a medical exemption is denied?
Parents or guardians can appeal the denial of a medical exemption to the Secretary of California Health and Human Services. The secretary is required to appoint an independent expert review panel, consisting of three licensed primary care physicians or immunization experts, to evaluate and rule on appeals.
Are kindergartners allowed to enroll “conditionally” if they have not yet completed all of the required vaccinations?
Yes, if they meet certain requirements. Kindergartners must have a mumps and a rubella vaccination before enrolling — there is no conditional enrollment involving the mumps and rubella vaccinations. Kindergartners also must be as current as possible with other immunizations, given the need to space out certain vaccine doses.
Kindergartners may be conditionally admitted with at least one dose of the following vaccines: polio; diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; measles; hepatitis B and varicella (chicken pox.)
School districts already have their own systems for tracking and following up with kindergartners who are not fully immunized. Whatever systems districts are currently using remain in place.
If students are entering the public school system as transitional kindergartners, these conditional immunization rules apply to them as well.
What about children who currently have personal belief exemptions on file?
Children who before Jan. 1, 2016 held personal belief exemptions to vaccinations are not subject to the new law until they reach their next vaccination checkpoint.
The law defines these checkpoints as “grade spans,” as follows:
- Birth to preschool;
- Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten;
- Grades 7 to 12, inclusive.
For example, a 6th grade student with a personal belief exemption in December 2015 will still have to comply with vaccination requirements upon entering 7th grade, which is a vaccination checkpoint.
If a child has been exposed to one of the 10 diseases named in the immunization requirements and does not have proof of immunization, the child temporarily may be kept out of school.
Do unvaccinated children with personal belief exemptions who move from one California school or district to another have to meet the vaccination requirements of new students?
Not unless the student is entering a vaccination checkpoint grade span: a child care facility or preschool, a transitional kindergarten/kindergarten or 7th grade. Personal belief exemptions can be transferred between child care facilities and schools in California both within and across school districts, according to the state. Personal belief exemptions from another state or country are not valid.
What vaccinations are required of unvaccinated students before entering 7th grade?
All previously unvaccinated students entering 7th grade must provide documentation of the vaccines needed for school entry based on age. These include the polio series, the diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis series, the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine and two doses of MMR, according to the California Department of Public Health.
But while immunization against hepatitis B is required for entry to lower grades, the law states that it is not required for entry to 7th grade.
What are the options for parents who do not want to have their children vaccinated but want to enroll them in school?
Parents who do not want to vaccinate their children attending school have three options: obtain a medical exemption to vaccinations, enroll in homeschooling or independent study without classroom instruction, or have their children evaluated and enrolled in special education services.
What is homeschooling and independent study?
According to the California Homeschool Network, parents who wish to homeschool have four options:
- Establish their own private home school by filing a private school affidavit.Parents are free to collaborate with other homeschools. Homeschools are required to teach California mandated subject areas, but have latitude as to when and how such subjects are taught.
- Join another private home school and become a “satellite” home school.
- Enroll in a district or charter public school that offers independent study. The student receives assignments from a teacher but fulfills most of the work independently.
- Homeschool a child by hiring a credentialed tutor.
Are schools required to track immunizations?
Schools are required to document each student’s immunization history. The immunization record of each student enrolled conditionally must be reviewed regularly to ensure they receive their immunizations by the required time. Those who fail to get their immunizations by the designated date will be prohibited from attending school.
Each district school board is being asked to file an annual report on the immunization status of all new students to the California Department of Public Health or its local health department. The local health department will have access to the immunization record of every student in school.
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Comments (296)
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Rachel 3 months ago3 months ago
My child will be entering 7th grade and is currently unvaccinated. At that age do they just need to get 2 MMR, 1 Tdap, 1 Chicken pox and 1 polio, or do they need to follow it with all the boosters?
Jenna 11 months ago11 months ago
My child has a medical exemption. Has never been vaccinated. He will be entering 7th grade in the fall. What are the minimum required vaccines to enter, not having ever been vaccinated?
DANIELLE PERRY 1 year ago1 year ago
So I only see a exemption for medical reasons.Is there a exemption for personal belief or religious belief?
Era Agdon 1 year ago1 year ago
Could you please let us know if an unvaccinated student who is not enrolled in our school district (but is enrolled in a charter school) can play sports on our school team? Thank you.
Victoria Sharma 2 years ago2 years ago
Why isn’t COVID 19 vaccination a mandate like the other vaccinations required to be a student in Orange County schools. Covid and the variants are highly contagious as was masles, mumps and rubella. etc. It has reach a point where young children are being hospitalized. Someone must act now like Los Angeles.
Chelsea 2 years ago2 years ago
Hi, we’re moving back to CA from AZ and I stopped vaccinating a while ago. My kids will be in 2nd and 3rd grade. Will their exemption be accepted or not because it’s not a transitional stage?
Bill Christenson 2 years ago2 years ago
Denying equal educational opportunities based on vaccine status is a violation of human rights. "Article 6 – Consent 1. Any preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic medical intervention is only to be carried out with the prior, free and informed consent of the person concerned, based on adequate information. The consent should, where appropriate, be express and may be withdrawn by the person concerned at any time and for any reason without disadvantage or prejudice. " Search … Read More
Denying equal educational opportunities based on vaccine status is a violation of human rights. “Article 6 – Consent
1. Any preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic medical intervention is only to be carried out with the prior, free and informed consent of the person concerned, based on adequate information. The consent should, where appropriate, be express and may be withdrawn by the person concerned at any time and for any reason without disadvantage or prejudice. ” Search UNESCO bioethics portal
http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=31058&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
ALBERT NICHOLAS 2 years ago2 years ago
Supposedly 93% of people who get the MMR shot develop immunity to measles, and with the second shot, we only raise that number to about 97%. So when schools require two shots, we're basically unnecessarily vaccinating 93% of our kids with their second shots for measles. Does anyone have the numbers for mumps and rubella? I don't understand why we do this. Some say, "well you may be immune to measles but … Read More
Supposedly 93% of people who get the MMR shot develop immunity to measles, and with the second shot, we only raise that number to about 97%. So when schools require two shots, we’re basically unnecessarily vaccinating 93% of our kids with their second shots for measles. Does anyone have the numbers for mumps and rubella? I don’t understand why we do this. Some say, “well you may be immune to measles but not against mumps or rubella,” to which I reply, “Then why do we bundle up the MMR into one shot in the first place?”
I’m told it’s because it’s fewer jabs, but I think it’s more to do with business and sales models. You can’t convince too many people to get a rubella vaccine when it hardly protects the person getting the shot; it more protects the fetuses of unvaccinated mothers. What’s worse is Google is going dark about any subjects that may challenge the “mainstream” notion of what is best, so any real debate you see is in comments like these, but you have to get there by accident, and that is until these comment threads start to get censored. There is no more public debate allowed.
Google “titer” and you mostly get information about pets and very little information about titers to show immunity to help reduce unnecessary vaccinations.
Lia DiTulio 2 years ago2 years ago
A student enrolls in a CA school and then the school finds out that they need their Tdap booster. How long can the student continue to go to school if they haven’t received the immunization before they are asked to stay home until the vaccination has been given?
anne 3 years ago3 years ago
Is Hep-B a required vaccination for 9th grade in California? or is it for college? or is it recommended not required?
Teresa 3 years ago3 years ago
Hi, My daughter is starting High School soon, the nurse just called to inform me that "there is a medical excemption due to varicella." My girl had the chicken pox when she was 2, we lived in Mexico, so she is immune to the disease. I never filed a medical exemption but it is the vaccination records that "she had the disease" in the varicella spot. Now they want me to have a doctor certify … Read More
Hi,
My daughter is starting High School soon, the nurse just called to inform me that “there is a medical excemption due to varicella.” My girl had the chicken pox when she was 2, we lived in Mexico, so she is immune to the disease. I never filed a medical exemption but it is the vaccination records that “she had the disease” in the varicella spot.
Now they want me to have a doctor certify that she had it, a CA licensed doctor, dated 2020; it is ridiculous since we don’t have her pediatrician contact anymore and even more ridiculous because if he is still alive he is in Mexico, it’s been so long I doubt he has the records. I don’t know what to do, should I have her get the shot even though she had the disease?
Replies
Zaidee Stavely 3 years ago3 years ago
Hi Teresa, You should check with your doctor. For some diseases, you can get a blood test to see if you have the antibodies that show you had the disease and are immune.
Evelyn Egger, MSN, RN, PHN, CSN 3 years ago3 years ago
Hi Teresa, The law changed in 2019. Before 2019, If a child had contracted varicella, the school could accept the parent/guardian’s attestation. When those children “advance” to 7th grade, a Permanent Medical Exemption is required and must be signed by a California-Licensed Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO). They do not rely on records - they draw blood, see how many antibodies are in the blood (indicating negative/none, positive/plenty of antibodies to protect your … Read More
Hi Teresa,
The law changed in 2019. Before 2019, If a child had contracted varicella, the school could accept the parent/guardian’s attestation. When those children “advance” to 7th grade, a Permanent Medical Exemption is required and must be signed by a California-Licensed Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO). They do not rely on records – they draw blood, see how many antibodies are in the blood (indicating negative/none, positive/plenty of antibodies to protect your child if exposed, or equivocal/an amount that may be too low to provide immunity.
If your child has enough antibodies in their “titer,” then a Permanent Medical Exemption will be issued. If it’s equivocal, your child will need to get the vaccine(s). Two are required for students who advanced to 7th grade; enrolled in Transitional Kindergarten or regular Kindergarten, or are from a different school district.
Hope this helps.
Jennifer 3 years ago3 years ago
Well everyone just wait for the Covid-19 vaccination. Better start the herd immunity now.
Jose 3 years ago3 years ago
My daughter has had “one year limited vaccine exemptions “ for the last 3 years. She is on 3rd grade now. When you say in the article: "Any student with a medical exemption issued before Jan. 1, 2020 would not be subject to the new restrictions until he or she reaches the next vaccination checkpoint. At such points, students would be required to be vaccinated – or get a new medical exemption that complies with the law." … Read More
My daughter has had “one year limited vaccine exemptions “ for the last 3 years.
She is on 3rd grade now.
When you say in the article:
“Any student with a medical exemption issued before Jan. 1, 2020 would not be subject to the new restrictions until he or she reaches the next vaccination checkpoint. At such points, students would be required to be vaccinated – or get a new medical exemption that complies with the law.” Does that include temporary exemptions as the one we have so in that case she could attend to school with no problems till next check point on 7th grade, or they could ask me again for 4th grade? My doctor is not going to sign more exemptions for us with this new law unfortunately…
Thanks for your help.
Tiffany Smith 3 years ago3 years ago
My question is what if your child has been vaccinated once for chicken pox but then later contracted and was diagnosed by their physician with chicken pox and therefore didn’t need a 2nd vaccination. Do you now have to vaccinate them again even though they are now immune?
Replies
Mira L. 3 years ago3 years ago
You only need one chicken pox vaccine
E. Egger, MSN, RH, PHN,CSN 3 years ago3 years ago
Hi Mira,
This was true in CA prior to 2019 – The requirement is now 2 varicella vaccines. All CA school immunization guidelines may be found at this link: https://eziz.org/assets/docs/IMM-231.pdf
Sarah 3 years ago3 years ago
California is going above the Constitution in taking away a parent’s religious freedom to refuse vaccines.
vaccine rights 3 years ago3 years ago
Thanks for this except you have one very important distinction completely wrong. 7th graders are only required to have pertussis. “Entering” only refers to students who have never been part of a California public school. “Advancement” only relates to schools that don’t have grade levels.
Replies
E. Egger, MSN, RN, PHN, CSN 3 years ago3 years ago
Hi Vaccine Rights, The Tdap Booster has more Tetanus than Diphtheria or pertussis: This is the shot children older than 7 years old get. The one they need before their 7th birthday is DTaP which has more Diphtheria vaccine than tetanus. And re: the comment about advancement (For ungraded schools) the criteria is age rather than grade. The California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch states, “For children in ungraded schools, pupils 12 years and older are … Read More
Hi Vaccine Rights,
The Tdap Booster has more Tetanus than Diphtheria or pertussis: This is the shot children older than 7 years old get. The one they need before their 7th birthday is DTaP which has more Diphtheria vaccine than tetanus.
And re: the comment about advancement (For ungraded schools) the criteria is age rather than grade. The California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch states, “For children in ungraded schools, pupils 12 years and older are subject to the 7th grade advancement requirements.” Information can be found at https://eziz.org/assets/docs/IMM-231.pdf or a California Code of Regulations, Title 17 at https://eziz.org/assets/docs/IMM-1080.pdf.
Heather Widen 4 years ago4 years ago
One of the things I don't understand is that I don't see where "grades" or "checkpoints" are listed at all in SB276. After I read the bill: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/.../billNavClient.xhtml... I had the impression that none of that would matter anymore. Can someone please point to the sections of the bill that would observe SB277 check point criteria? Read More
One of the things I don’t understand is that I don’t see where “grades” or “checkpoints” are listed at all in SB276. After I read the bill: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/…/billNavClient.xhtml… I had the impression that none of that would matter anymore. Can someone please point to the sections of the bill that would observe SB277 check point criteria?
Heather Widen 4 years ago4 years ago
Please cite sources for: “Studies have linked clusters of unimmunized children to outbreaks of measles, pertussis and varicella.” My understanding is that most outbreaks in US occur from adults traveling to other countries with major outbreaks and bringing it back to the US, not from unimmunized children spreading diseases. In fact, none of the recent measles cases occurred in students at the CA schools with the highest medical exemption rates.
Elaine Pennington 4 years ago4 years ago
I'm in need of advise, please. My child who will be entering the 12th grade has had a PBE since 2014 when he was entering the 7th grade. Since, then I have not been required to get him the Dtap vaccine. However, we just moved and I'm in the process of changing schools as well as school districts. They will not accept his PBE as they are saying it's only good for middle school which … Read More
I’m in need of advise, please. My child who will be entering the 12th grade has had a PBE since 2014 when he was entering the 7th grade. Since, then I have not been required to get him the Dtap vaccine. However, we just moved and I’m in the process of changing schools as well as school districts. They will not accept his PBE as they are saying it’s only good for middle school which is 7th-8th in some CA schools. I have printed out the Senate Bill 277 and highlighted where it states that a child who received a PBE prior to 2016 is allowed to enroll into a private or public school. They still will not accept it. Any suggestions on what my options are? I’d really hate to have to take him to get the vaccine. 🙁
Replies
Kayla Wildman 4 years ago4 years ago
Look on the web for an organization called Physicians for Informed Consent. They help parents in situations like yours, where schools refuse to honor “grandfathered” PBEs.
vaccine rights 3 years ago3 years ago
12th grade is not a checkpoint. Make sure you take it up with the school district’s attorney. Have them read the bill text, not the info sheets put out by DPH.
Katie 4 years ago4 years ago
If my child has an PME dated before the new regulation requirement effective July 1 2019, does he need to get amended?
Lacy 4 years ago4 years ago
Thank you for organizing and updating this information. I found your method straightforward and unbiased, which is so appreciated. One thing that I agree should be added is the strict constraints that have been added to qualify for a medical exemption. Both of my boys currently have a valid medical exemption with a long list of autoimmune contraindications both personally and spanning 3 generations. Even with seizures and other concerns, my boy's exemptions will no … Read More
Thank you for organizing and updating this information. I found your method straightforward and unbiased, which is so appreciated. One thing that I agree should be added is the strict constraints that have been added to qualify for a medical exemption. Both of my boys currently have a valid medical exemption with a long list of autoimmune contraindications both personally and spanning 3 generations. Even with seizures and other concerns, my boy’s exemptions will no longer be recognized. Parents should be aware that the option to apply for a medical exemption through a licensed medical doctor will be next to impossible. In fact, it is so prohibitory that children who have experienced a life-threatening reaction may still not be eligible.
Jay 4 years ago4 years ago
Wow this is ridiculous. There is so much proof stating and showing vaccines carry disease in them which is injected then spread by the people being injected. There's no such thing as herd immunity when injecting horrible carcinogens and known toxins into the human body. Who in there right mind thinks we'll be magically diseased proof by injecting disease?! How can this pass it's not right against humans to force a medical experiments on them! … Read More
Wow this is ridiculous. There is so much proof stating and showing vaccines carry disease in them which is injected then spread by the people being injected. There’s no such thing as herd immunity when injecting horrible carcinogens and known toxins into the human body. Who in there right mind thinks we’ll be magically diseased proof by injecting disease?! How can this pass it’s not right against humans to force a medical experiments on them! This is sick if this doesn’t get repealed, I’ll be moving out of the state. This state is ridiculous – it used to be for the people not PHARMA.
Martin Sloan 4 years ago4 years ago
Very informative article. However, I feel like you skipped over the most controversial part of the bill: the ACIP, AAP, and "Standard of Care" all refer to the narrow CDC contraindications of anaphylaxis and encephalopathy. Does this mean that unless parents and their doctor can prove the student had a near-death reaction following a vaccination, they will be kicked out of school? My son had 10+ seizures following his DTaP vaccination, but was not diagnosed with … Read More
Very informative article. However, I feel like you skipped over the most controversial part of the bill: the ACIP, AAP, and “Standard of Care” all refer to the narrow CDC contraindications of anaphylaxis and encephalopathy. Does this mean that unless parents and their doctor can prove the student had a near-death reaction following a vaccination, they will be kicked out of school?
My son had 10+ seizures following his DTaP vaccination, but was not diagnosed with encephalopathy (thank goodness). Does this mean that parents in my position will be asked by the school district to continue vaccinations on an already medically fragile child and risk permanent damage? Who will be liable here if my child is diagnosed with encephalopathy after further vaccinations? The school district?
Thank you.
Replies
matthew ballmer 4 years ago4 years ago
Look into this https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/641 and https://www.hrsa.gov/vaccine-compensation/index.html You might be able to get a waiver/exemption if your child has received any vaccines and can test positive for immunity to the disease. It's called serologic testing or Titer tests. It requires a blood draw and prescribed by a primary care doc. The results might need interpretation by a specialist if your doctor cant. IDK though if or how these are presented to the CADH exemption process. I'm looking … Read More
Look into this https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/641 and
https://www.hrsa.gov/vaccine-compensation/index.html
You might be able to get a waiver/exemption if your child has received any vaccines and can test positive for immunity to the disease. It’s called serologic testing or Titer tests. It requires a blood draw and prescribed by a primary care doc. The results might need interpretation by a specialist if your doctor cant. IDK though if or how these are presented to the CADH exemption process. I’m looking into it now for ours. This would reduce the total number of vaccine injections, but potentially still creating immunity.
linda trujillo 3 years ago3 years ago
Please email me if you are able to successfully do this!
lindayfrank@yahoo.com
vaccine rights 3 years ago3 years ago
SB277 is more expansive than CDC etc. You can include medical history and reactions as well as family history.
Robert Reny 4 years ago4 years ago
As there is a rise in the number of measles cases in the U.S., New York State has allowed Early Vaccination for babies. Normally, children get their first MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine when they are a year old; Department of Health has given doctors the permission to lower the vaccination age to six months in the vulnerable areas where the outbreak has begun.
holly C Schmidt 5 years ago5 years ago
We moved to a new district within California. The school is saying his waiver is not valid. He is entering 6th grade, they have to accept it, don’t they?
Tifah 5 years ago5 years ago
What is the policy on teachers or volunteers/interns at the school? Are they also required to be vaccinated? Does this law apply to them? Can they provide exemptions for themselves?
Cheryl 5 years ago5 years ago
Can a child in California start preschool on a slow track if immunization. Currently having none but looking to have them within the next 6 weeks .
Replies
Kat Tat 5 years ago5 years ago
Not sure you are still keeping the comment section open as I see there are not recentl replies. May I suggest an auto response of this sort: Shots for School has excellent info to answer all questions about immunization requirements for schools in CA. Remember that any private school can make their own individual decisions about enrolling a child, within the law. Maybe post that? All will be answered there. : ) http://www.shotsforschool.org And the actual California Code … Read More
Not sure you are still keeping the comment section open as I see there are not recentl replies.
May I suggest an auto response of this sort:
Shots for School has excellent info to answer all questions about immunization requirements for schools in CA. Remember that any private school can make their own individual decisions about enrolling a child, within the law.
Maybe post that? All will be answered there. : )
http://www.shotsforschool.org
And the actual California Code is important to read for details:
http://eziz.org/assets/docs/IMM-1080.pdf#page=5
Elvira Domines 5 years ago5 years ago
Is a doctor’s certification from London on student’s exemption from immunization valid here in California?
Stephanie Cienfuegos 5 years ago5 years ago
I had a question regarding kindergarten enrollment. I haven't been able to enroll my child due to the nurse at the school not accepting my doctor's medical waiver. My child has had allergic reactions to egg and other medications. And for that reason I haven't vaccinated him. I am scared he will have an allergic reaction so my doctor referred him to a specialist. The specialist did not have an appointment till a month out … Read More
I had a question regarding kindergarten enrollment. I haven’t been able to enroll my child due to the nurse at the school not accepting my doctor’s medical waiver. My child has had allergic reactions to egg and other medications. And for that reason I haven’t vaccinated him. I am scared he will have an allergic reaction so my doctor referred him to a specialist. The specialist did not have an appointment till a month out and that was just for a consultation so the primary care doctor so he’d the medical waiver temporary till he sees the specialist so they can determine if my child will have a reaction to the vaccines. The nurse at the school did not accept the waiver and said that he should get the vaccines. I am frustrated because she won’t let my child enroll and he as lost half a year already. Please help.
Michele 6 years ago6 years ago
I have a daughter going into junior high. Is it absolutely mandatory she get vaccinated for meningitis?
Melissa M. Gonzalez 6 years ago6 years ago
I had an active PBE for my 2 children ages now 6 and 7. I had my son in preschool in school year 2015-2016. When he went to kindergarten (2016-2017), I had to switch him to a different school but same district due to no room left at school. They demanded that he get his shots or he couldn't attend the school. They said whenever kids switched schools it was mandatory. I wish I … Read More
I had an active PBE for my 2 children ages now 6 and 7. I had my son in preschool in school year 2015-2016. When he went to kindergarten (2016-2017), I had to switch him to a different school but same district due to no room left at school. They demanded that he get his shots or he couldn’t attend the school. They said whenever kids switched schools it was mandatory. I wish I would have researched it more and seen this article, instead of believing them and going along with what they said. I felt so bad for him getting 5 to 6 shots at a time. Kicking and screaming with 2 nurses holding him down. It’s so terrible.
Do I have to continue giving him shots or can I fight it until he reaches the 7th grade? He was so calm before now from one year to the next he’s hyper active and doesn’t want to listen. It’s a drastic change from before he received any shots.
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 6 years ago6 years ago
Hi, Melissa. If I understand your situation, I think the school is on solid ground here. When your son entered kindergarten in fall 2016, his preschool personal belief exemption was longer valid. (The exception would be if your son had attended a transitional kindergarten program, not a preschool, with a personal belief exemption. The state recognizes TK and kindergarten as the same vaccination checkpoint.) Despite what the district says, the issue you are dealing with … Read More
Hi, Melissa. If I understand your situation, I think the school is on solid ground here. When your son entered kindergarten in fall 2016, his preschool personal belief exemption was longer valid. (The exception would be if your son had attended a transitional kindergarten program, not a preschool, with a personal belief exemption. The state recognizes TK and kindergarten as the same vaccination checkpoint.) Despite what the district says, the issue you are dealing with is not changing schools, but reaching a vaccination checkpoint at kindergarten in fall 2016.
Sarah 6 years ago6 years ago
Hi - I have a question. I have always raised my grandson, who has Asperger's, which we only found out about when he was 5, after receiving (what I thought) were all his shots. I was homeschooling him until he entered 7th grade. At that point, I was able to get a Personal Beliefs Exemption in May, 2015 so he did not have to get the Tdap at the 7th grade checkpoint. He is about … Read More
Hi – I have a question. I have always raised my grandson, who has Asperger’s, which we only found out about when he was 5, after receiving (what I thought) were all his shots. I was homeschooling him until he entered 7th grade. At that point, I was able to get a Personal Beliefs Exemption in May, 2015 so he did not have to get the Tdap at the 7th grade checkpoint. He is about to enter high school and I received a message that he needs the Tdap and one more varicella shot (I never realized he only had one listed on his shot record). In my heart I know that, while predisposed to autism, it is the vaccinations that was the “toxic tipping point” (he had some reactions in the past, and totally changed after his last round of 5 shots during his last visit!).
He is on an IEP, but not for any physical therapy. Do you know if the PBE still holds since it was obtained when entering 7th grade. I am scared out of my mind at the thought of his getting any other vaccinations. We are still dealing with so many issues including odd behavioral issues and anger that is way out-of-proportion, though outsiders would not realize this. He is very high-functioning. We live in Riverside County. Thanks so much for any help you can provide!
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Jane Meredith Adams 6 years ago6 years ago
Hi, Sarah.
I’m puzzled that you are being asked to provide evidence of immunization for your grandson entering high school. According to the California Department of Health, the last checkpoint for your grandson (before college) would be 7th grade, unless you are new to the state. Please let me know how this is resolved.
Jane
Sheri Miller 6 years ago6 years ago
My son is also due to begin high school in the fall and I received notification that he must receive his second chicken pox vaccination before he can attend and have so far held up sending him his course schedule which his fully vaccinated peers have received. I’m not certain why they only specifically mentioned that one as he is missing a couple of “routine” others.
Terry 6 years ago6 years ago
@SheriMiller It sounds like you were given incorrect information. Your high schooler should have been within the last "checkpoint" of grade span 7th-12th when SB277 was implemented in 2016. If that is correct and you had a personal belief exemption (PBE) on file prior to Jan 1, 2016 your child is entitled to use the "Grandfather Clause" until high school graduation. CDPH is trying to implement a second dose of … Read More
@SheriMiller It sounds like you were given incorrect information. Your high schooler should have been within the last “checkpoint” of grade span 7th-12th when SB277 was implemented in 2016. If that is correct and you had a personal belief exemption (PBE) on file prior to Jan 1, 2016 your child is entitled to use the “Grandfather Clause” until high school graduation.
CDPH is trying to implement a second dose of Varicella (Chicken Pox) at 7th grade via the Administrative Rules process. However, it has not been approved by the OAL so they can not move forward at thas time.
If and only IF, the second dose is approved by OAL it would apply to new students entering CA schools for the first time. Existing students are entitled to use a personal belief exemption (PBE) for any and all additional vaccines/doses added to the mandate in both public and private schools.
Here is the specific language that might apply to your child. You may need to “educate” the school. 🙂
SB-277 Public health: vaccinations. http://ow.ly/ZbO8b
Grandfather Clause
SEC. 2. Section 120335 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
120335
(11) (g) (1) A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization shall be allowed enrollment to any private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center within the state until the pupil enrolls in the next grade span.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, “grade span” means each of the following:
(A) Birth to preschool.
(B) Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten.
(C) Grades 7 to 12, inclusive.
CDPH SB277 FAQs | ShotsForSchool http://ow.ly/Zg3f5
Lynn 6 years ago6 years ago
My daughter received the same notification and also has her registration held. We do not have a PBE on file (I did not think I needed one) so how does this affect us? If not mandated, only recommended by the CDC how is it that she is being held up from her class schedule (legally), to begin in two weeks? She is entering 11th grade.
J. 6 years ago6 years ago
I need to know about this Grandfather clause as I, too, got a notice that her TDaP immunization records have not been turned in to the school nurse. I had a personal belief affidavit on file before 2016 and my daughter is entering 10th grade. She is also on Independent Study – but don’t want to push that angle because they could not allow her to interact with her peers at lunch, etc.
Jane Meredith Adams 6 years ago6 years ago
Hi Lynn and J. I agree that this seems incorrect. The last vaccination check point in Tk/K through grade 12 is 7th grade. I'd like to know how your districts respond. J., your daughter is entering 10th grade and should not be subject to vaccination requirements at this point, as she is not entering from out of state. As Terry mentioned, the law states: A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or … Read More
Hi Lynn and J.
I agree that this seems incorrect. The last vaccination check point in Tk/K through grade 12 is 7th grade. I’d like to know how your districts respond.
J., your daughter is entering 10th grade and should not be subject to vaccination requirements at this point, as she is not entering from out of state. As Terry mentioned, the law states:
A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization shall be allowed enrollment to any private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center within the state until the pupil enrolls in the next grade span.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, “grade span” means each of the following:
(A) Birth to preschool.
(B) Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten.
(C) Grades 7 to 12, inclusive.
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB277
vaccine rights 3 years ago3 years ago
Godbless you! you are the only one who knows this!!! The CA Dept of PH has erroneous info up on their website and everyone is falling for it. I am in a battle with my school district right now over it!
Kim Maler 5 years ago5 years ago
Because he is on an IEP, he does not need to have the Tdap vaccine. It does not matter what type of IEP he is on. I just learned this at the School Immunization Law seminar here in San Diego, from the Dept. of Health and Human Services.
Stefany 5 years ago5 years ago
Kim, I’m also in SD. I have a 5 year old starting school, this Fall. Are there any schools/loopholes you know of? I don’t know what to do.
Jim Coke 6 years ago6 years ago
Please name the politician(s) who promoted this and got it passed in the legislature so there is a price to pay for pushing through such harmful laws.
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John Fensterwald 6 years ago6 years ago
All votes on bills are recored.
Here is the record on SB 277:
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB277
Andy Tran 6 years ago6 years ago
I 100000% agree with your comment! What a messed up system that we have folks! Wake up and smell the coffee for once.
Lulu 6 years ago6 years ago
I have a newborn. It really doesn’t say much if I have to get her vaccinated. Can you let me know if vaccinations are a must for newborn bsbies… thank you
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Jane Meredith Adams 6 years ago6 years ago
Hi, Lulu. Vaccinations aren't required unless you want to enroll your child in a private or public child care facilities or schools. Vaccinations have long been required by child care and schools; the new law eliminated only the personal belief exemption. As noted, exemptions continue to be granted for medical reasons. And if your child is entitled to services for a disability, vaccination status will not be taken into consideration by most districts. The California … Read More
Hi, Lulu. Vaccinations aren’t required unless you want to enroll your child in a private or public child care facilities or schools. Vaccinations have long been required by child care and schools; the new law eliminated only the personal belief exemption. As noted, exemptions continue to be granted for medical reasons. And if your child is entitled to services for a disability, vaccination status will not be taken into consideration by most districts. The California Department of Education has not clarified the issue for special education, but that seems to be what districts are doing.
matthew ballmer 4 years ago4 years ago
What I have not heard argued and don’t understand is how un-vaccinated people are a threat to those vaccinated. If you are vaccinated, then aren’t you supposed to be safe from the contagion, whether occurring naturally or presented in an infected person? I’m surprise the recent lawsuit missed this opportunity. Perhaps it was raised and countered in court?
Nadine 7 years ago7 years ago
Thanks for this article! So much great information!
Here is my question: My son had A PBE on file for kindergarten and 1st grade. He is still enrolled in 1st grade, and, after recently moving within California, he started a new elementary school. We had the PBE transferred between the two schools, and the new school is telling me that his PBE is no longer valid. Is this true? I am really confused; please help!
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Jane Meredith Adams 6 years ago6 years ago
Hi, Nadine. How did this work out for you with the school? You are correct. The personal belief exemption you had on file before the new law took effect is valid in any school district in California until the next vaccination “check point” at 7th grade, according to the California Department of Health. I’d be interested to hear how the district dealt with the exemption.
Claire hughes 7 years ago7 years ago
How do I stop s.s. from making my 10year old son have school vaccine’s. He is in foster care & has autism
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Jane Meredith Adams 6 years ago6 years ago
Hi, Claire. I would like to know more. By “s.s.” do you mean the school system? Is your son entering a new school? Not sure why he would be subject to vaccinations at age 10, when the check points are prek/K and 7th grade.
somaya 7 years ago7 years ago
I agree with learns comments below. I think that vaccines. should be required for the families coming from other countries.
Kourtnee Landrum 7 years ago7 years ago
Okay, here goes. My son, who is 8, has a PBE on file in California. It was turned in before he went into Kindergarten, 2014. He went to a new school for 1st grade and they wouldn't except the form due to it being a different school district. So, we filled out another in August of 2015.. (I knew that the form had to be in by January of 2016 since I am … Read More
Okay, here goes.
My son, who is 8, has a PBE on file in California. It was turned in before he went into Kindergarten, 2014. He went to a new school for 1st grade and they wouldn’t except the form due to it being a different school district. So, we filled out another in August of 2015.. (I knew that the form had to be in by January of 2016 since I am anti-vax.)
We moved to Oregon for his 2nd grade year and they accepted this same form. Well, we are moving back to California in a month due to unforeseen circumstances.. We have been in Oregon for 3 months..
Will his PBE still be valid in California? Since it was originally from his pediatrician there?
If not, where can I find what vax he will need? I have looked at so many different vax schedules and honestly, they don’t make sense..
Thank you.
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Jane Meredith Adams 6 years ago6 years ago
Hi, Kourtnee. Welcome back to California. I doubt the California school district will consider the personal belief exemption valid. Because of your time in Oregon, your son will be considered a student new to the state and you will be asked to show his vaccination records before enrolling in school. A pediatrician should be able to guide you through what shots are required and the timing of those shots.
Terry 6 years ago6 years ago
You may need to get a medical exemption. Governor Brown's signing message for SB277 clarifies medical exemption language. June 30, 2015 http://ow.ly/TTyF30bkKXk Bill Text- SB-277 Public health: vaccinations. http://ow.ly/ZbO8b "120370. (a) If the parent or guardian files with the governing authority a written statement by a licensed physician to the effect that the physical condition of the child is such, or medical circumstances relating to the child are such, that immunization is not considered safe, … Read More
You may need to get a medical exemption.
Governor Brown’s signing message for SB277 clarifies medical exemption language. June 30, 2015 http://ow.ly/TTyF30bkKXk
Bill Text- SB-277 Public health: vaccinations. http://ow.ly/ZbO8b
“120370. (a) If the parent or guardian files with the governing authority a written statement by a licensed physician to the effect that the physical condition of the child is such, or medical circumstances relating to the child are such, that immunization is not considered safe, indicating the specific nature and probable duration of the medical condition or circumstances, including, but not limited to, family medical history, for which the physician does not recommend immunization, that child shall be exempt from the requirements of Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 120325, but excluding Section 120380) and Sections 120400, 120405, 120410, and 120415 to the extent indicated by the physician’s statement.”
AAP CAFP Medical Exemption form for CA: http://ow.ly/kQkV300Te0i
The use of this form is “optional” MDs and DOs can write a Medical Exemption letter instead of using the form.
Nancy Paradise 7 years ago7 years ago
Today I was told that the Child Development Center at an elementary school in Long Beach they will not accept my grandson as a student because he does not have all his vaccinations. He has a grandfathered in medical exemption used at his daycare and should be allowed to go to any preschool while we pursue a medical exemption. Can they deny him based on his vaccination record?
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Jane Meredith Adams 6 years ago6 years ago
Hi, Nancy. That is surprising. It sounds as if his personal belief exemption in preschool was in order, which means the next vaccination checkpoint is in transitional kindergarten or kindergarten. How did it work out?
Jessica 7 years ago7 years ago
Do you know if California schools accept positive Titer tests showing the child has the antibodies for the required vaccines?
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Jane Meredith Adams 6 years ago6 years ago
Hi, Jessica. My understanding is that schools do not accept a Titer test result and want a record of a vaccination.
ALBERT NICHOLAS 2 years ago2 years ago
Our school nurse in a Long Beach Unified School District school said, “titers are not accepted on their own; the titer would require an accompanying medical exemption letter from your child’s doctor. Information about medical exemptions can be found here: https://www.shotsforschool.org/laws/exemptions/“
Jannie 7 years ago7 years ago
What about religious beliefs? Can a letter/document be submitted to the school from your rabbi stating my child cannot be vaccined?
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Jane Meredith Adams 6 years ago6 years ago
Hi, Jannie.
In short, no.
Michael 7 years ago7 years ago
We submitted an affidavit in 8/2015. Was a parent-signed letter sufficicent or should that have been a physician signed CDHP form? We understand that this would only be effectived until the next “gate/portal” of 7th grade.
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Michael. It should have been a form signed by a health practitioner – doctor, naturopath or credentialed school nurse. The law, known as Assembly Bill 2109, that requires a consultation with a health professional before obtaining a personal belief exemption took effect Jan. 1, 2014. Here’s a link to the law: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201120120AB2109
Terry 6 years ago6 years ago
@Michael, If you used a religious belief exemption in 2015, your signature as the parent/legal guardian is the only signature required. You had the option of submitting a letter or using the CDPH PBE form that was in effect at the time.
Michelle 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi- I have a 6-year-old that just started kindergarten this year and he has a personal exemption form on file. Last year he went to the same school and he was in TK. The nurse called today and said that he can not come back to school until he gets his vaccines. Can someone please help me find out the information. I thought that once he had a waiver on file that they had to honor … Read More
Hi-
I have a 6-year-old that just started kindergarten this year and he has a personal exemption form on file. Last year he went to the same school and he was in TK. The nurse called today and said that he can not come back to school until he gets his vaccines. Can someone please help me find out the information. I thought that once he had a waiver on file that they had to honor that and they couldn’t make him not go to school until he entered into jr.high. Please someone give me a link or correct info because I want my son to be able to go to school at least until jr.high and now this nurse is saying this and we do NOT believe in vaccinations. Thank You so much
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Lucy 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Michelle, It depends when was the waiver signed, If signed before January 1st 2016 you are good.
ROSEMARY 7 years ago7 years ago
You already have documentation by signing the faith belief form. There is a section on the vaccine information on page 6 which explains all that you need to know.
Michelle 7 years ago7 years ago
My daughter, who is 6, is a kindergartener attending a new school. We have a PBE from 2016 from a previous elementary school on file but the new school says that because she switched districts, they are requiring her to be fully vaccinated before entry. Is this true? I can’t find anything online. I believed (because that’s the only information on file) that her exemption goes with her throughout California.
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Michelle. You are right. A personal belief exemption in transitional kindergarten is good until the student enters 7th grade. Here is how the law reads: (g) (1) A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization shall be allowed enrollment … Read More
Hi Michelle. You are right. A personal belief exemption in transitional kindergarten is good until the student enters 7th grade. Here is how the law reads:
(g) (1) A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization shall be allowed enrollment to any private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center within the state until the pupil enrolls in the next grade span.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, “grade span” means each of the following:
(A) Birth to preschool.
(B) Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten.
(C) Grades 7 to 12, inclusive.
And here’s a link to the California Department of Public Health’s answer: http://www.shotsforschool.org/laws/sb277faq/#Q9
Joel Holmes 7 years ago7 years ago
Why don't California's so-called "public" schools try to "solve" a simple problem--such as e.g., "public" school students catching/transmitting head lice and other skin infestations? Laws such as the CA compulsory "vaccination" law, are exactly what happens when a State has a Governor For Life-similar to such places, as e.g., Cuba, North Korea, or Zimbabwe! Read More
Why don’t California’s so-called “public” schools try to “solve” a simple problem–such as e.g., “public” school students catching/transmitting head lice and other skin infestations? Laws such as the CA compulsory “vaccination” law, are exactly what happens when a State has a Governor For Life-similar to such places, as e.g., Cuba, North Korea, or Zimbabwe!
Lee Ann 7 years ago7 years ago
People are not even sure what is in these vaccinations! Each year it is more and more. Why only children, what about people traveling here, people moving to California, people in transit, what about people who have never received these shots, what about people who are not documented. I am not on board with this because it is not fair all the way around. The people here are not spreading germs, … Read More
People are not even sure what is in these vaccinations! Each year it is more and more. Why only children, what about people traveling here, people moving to California, people in transit, what about people who have never received these shots, what about people who are not documented. I am not on board with this because it is not fair all the way around. The people here are not spreading germs, its the people coming from wherever. The California law should be to protect people from coming here to spread diseases to California.
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Lee Ann. Unvaccinated California children and adults have become ill with vaccine-preventable communicable diseases, such as measles, when they travel to Europe and other countries where vaccination rates are low. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of vaccine ingredients on its website heree: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/vaccine-decision/index.html
Pj gildernew 7 years ago7 years ago
Ms Adams, I have found it interesting that most if not all of the people infected with targeted deseases have been immunized against those particular deseases such as the outbreak of whooping cough in California 2014 and yet they still get sick. Doesnt that make you wonder about the true effectiveness of the shot? (please google LATimes article...why did so many california kids get whooping cough despite being vacinated?) Of course our wonderful politicians NEVER allow … Read More
Ms Adams,
I have found it interesting that most if not all of the people infected with targeted deseases have been immunized against those particular deseases such as the outbreak of whooping cough in California 2014 and yet they still get sick. Doesnt that make you wonder about the true effectiveness of the shot? (please google LATimes article…why did so many california kids get whooping cough despite being vacinated?) Of course our wonderful politicians NEVER allow a crisis to go to waste and this is certainly another case of that! Once again government is taking away our liberty and rights as parents and citizens to make choices how we live our lives.
Blossom Borba 7 years ago7 years ago
Vaccinated children have also caught these diseases. It isn’t only unvaccinated children. The unvaccinated children are being segregated; there is no real justification for this.
Melissa 7 years ago7 years ago
Where does the law say but requires polio and varicella vaccines for 7th grade? http://Www.Shotsforschool.org and the linked law do not mention those being required, so I’m confused. Thanks
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Melissa. I can see why you're confused. The California Department of Public Health has two sets of 7th grade requirements to allow parents of previously unvaccinated students time to catch up. To start 7th grade, a student must have had a booster dose or one dose of the tetanus, diptheria and pertussis vaccine and two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. But all 7th graders must become up-to-date as quickly as possible … Read More
Hi Melissa. I can see why you’re confused. The California Department of Public Health has two sets of 7th grade requirements to allow parents of previously unvaccinated students time to catch up.
To start 7th grade, a student must have had a booster dose or one dose of the tetanus, diptheria and pertussis vaccine and two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
But all 7th graders must become up-to-date as quickly as possible on all vaccines, including polio and varicella. The vast majority of students are already up-to-date on these vaccines because they followed the childhood vaccination schedule. http://www.shotsforschool.org/k-12/
Tatiana 7 years ago7 years ago
We are moving to California from Europe and we have 2 children. Son is 12 years old and he has all vaccinations required in my country and I think also in the USA. But my daughter is 5 years old and according to immunization programme in the USA , she has got everything except one dose of MMR vaccine. We have this immunization when child is 15 months old and then at the age … Read More
We are moving to California from Europe and we have 2 children. Son is 12 years old and he has all vaccinations required in my country and I think also in the USA. But my daughter is 5 years old and according to immunization programme in the USA , she has got everything except one dose of MMR vaccine. We have this immunization when child is 15 months old and then at the age of 10. Does it mean she will be refused to enter the kindergarten?
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Tatiana. The school entrance requirements call for students to be current on vaccinations that are due. Entering kindergartners or transitional kindergartners are required to have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. You mention that in Europe, a child receives the second dose of MMR at age 10. Are you opposed to having your daughter receive the second MMR dose at age 5? It seems possible that the school would "conditionally" admit your daughter if … Read More
Hi Tatiana. The school entrance requirements call for students to be current on vaccinations that are due. Entering kindergartners or transitional kindergartners are required to have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. You mention that in Europe, a child receives the second dose of MMR at age 10. Are you opposed to having your daughter receive the second MMR dose at age 5? It seems possible that the school would “conditionally” admit your daughter if you agree to return paperwork showing that she’s had the second dose shortly after entering school. The other option that would allow her to attend school would be a medical exemption from a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.). Jane
Jimmy King 7 years ago7 years ago
I have a son who has a PBE filed before 1/1/16 and will be entering 7th grade this fall. He goes to a private school and signed a contract for his 7th grade year on 5/1/16. Does this count as an enrollment date for the July 1st deadline, so therefore he will be exempt in his 7th-12th grade years?
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Jimmy. No, your son’s personal belief exemption was only valid until the next grade span, which begins in 7th grade, regardless of when you signed a contract to enroll.
April Cook 7 years ago7 years ago
This was really interesting to read. I didn’t know that California now required vaccinations for children entering public school. I’ll have to tell my sister to make sure her kids are up to date. If you home school your kids but they participate in public school run sports programs will they need to be vaccinated? Thanks for sharing this great information!
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi April. It seems that if you home school your kids but they are on a public school sports team, they would have to be up to date on vaccinations. That would seem true because kids who are enrolled in independent study at a school must be vaccinated if they receive classroom instruction — in other words, if they are around a group of kids.
Nat Sandberg 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi! I am confused a bit, could you pls help me! We moved to the US recently. My kid will attend SF public school. We have incomplete immunization requirements: there are 2 vaccines she never had. We are going to catch up them. The question is: won't be my child accepted to school until we complete all the doses? For example, as I know it takes time the doses are to be completed. Does it … Read More
Hi! I am confused a bit, could you pls help me! We moved to the US recently. My kid will attend SF public school. We have incomplete immunization requirements: there are 2 vaccines she never had. We are going to catch up them. The question is: won’t be my child accepted to school until we complete all the doses? For example, as I know it takes time the doses are to be completed. Does it mean that my kid is just refused to get education until we provide all the requirements? I am very concerned about it. Thanks in advance.
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Nat. Your daughter will be admitted to K-6th grade and you will be given time to catch up on vaccinations as long as she has had a mumps and a rubella vaccination before enrolling and at least one dose of the following vaccines: polio; diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; measles; hepatitis B; and varicella (chicken pox.)
G 7 years ago7 years ago
We moved to a new school last year and I filed the waiver when asked for immunization records, child is within gradespan, earlier this year (they send this out every year as admission to next grade level is not automatic) we had to submit new registration for placement in the next grade year and it was accepted, there was no question in the online form asking for current immunizations. Does this acceptance mean, we don't … Read More
We moved to a new school last year and I filed the waiver when asked for immunization records, child is within gradespan, earlier this year (they send this out every year as admission to next grade level is not automatic) we had to submit new registration for placement in the next grade year and it was accepted, there was no question in the online form asking for current immunizations. Does this acceptance mean, we don’t have to worry about getting the shots until next gradespan? Thanks!
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi G. You should not have to provide current immunization records until the next gradespan.
Amy Miko 7 years ago7 years ago
I have 2 kids who have never been vaccinated and I am asked to sign a waiver everytime it’s time for another scheduled vaccination. Is this considered a waiver? What is legally acceptable for this new law.
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Michelle 7 years ago7 years ago
Having personally been inoculated, as well as my now 27 year old child, I am against loading my grandchildren with the various poisons set forth by the Governments. The illnesses we all face, as a result of poisons we received, are unfathomable. No Government should demand this upon a child, for they are too young to make decisions for themselves, let alone face the many illnesses they will encounter along life's path. … Read More
Having personally been inoculated, as well as my now 27 year old child, I am against loading my grandchildren with the various poisons set forth by the Governments. The illnesses we all face, as a result of poisons we received, are unfathomable. No Government should demand this upon a child, for they are too young to make decisions for themselves, let alone face the many illnesses they will encounter along life’s path. It’s just my opinion based on the health of myself and all the others that were inoculated as children. How can we overturn this State Law passed in California? Advice please. Thank you.
Shannon 3 years ago3 years ago
Michelle, thank you for all your comments. I have a very similar situation and appreciate the advice.
Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Amy. Not sure what those waivers are. As of Jan. 1, 2016, personal belief exemptions are no longer available. The only legally acceptable waiver now is a medical waiver.
Anna Smith 7 years ago7 years ago
If enrichment/optional site based classes are held for K-8th grade students through an Independent Study public school, must students who attend these classes (i.e. 2 days a week for up to five hours a day) be vaccinated/conditional or covered by IEP or PBE exemptions?
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Anna. Yes. Home-schooled students who attend enrichment classes at a public school must be vaccinated or covered by a 2015 or earlier personal belief exemption that applies to their current grade span, i.e., a personal belief exemption for a 4th grader would be valid until the student enters the next vaccination grade-span at 7th grade.
Marie 7 years ago7 years ago
We are considering an Independent Study program that offers certain courses in a classroom setting. In order to get college prep credit for her Biology class, she will be required to attend a Lab with other students for 2 hours, one day per week. She will also be required to attend an Art class with other students for 2 hours, one day per week. Her PBE "expired" at the end of her … Read More
We are considering an Independent Study program that offers certain courses in a classroom setting. In order to get college prep credit for her Biology class, she will be required to attend a Lab with other students for 2 hours, one day per week. She will also be required to attend an Art class with other students for 2 hours, one day per week. Her PBE “expired” at the end of her 8th grade year. Can I enroll her in this type of program?
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Marie. It sounds as if your student is in high school and high school is not a vaccination checkpoint, so she should be fine attending a biology lab and an art class. The law defines vaccination checkpoints as “grade spans,” as follows: Birth to preschool, Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten, Grades 7 to 12, inclusive. Personal belief exemptions are no longer given, but her personal belief exemption was valid when she entered 7th … Read More
Hi Marie. It sounds as if your student is in high school and high school is not a vaccination checkpoint, so she should be fine attending a biology lab and an art class. The law defines vaccination checkpoints as “grade spans,” as follows:
Birth to preschool,
Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten,
Grades 7 to 12, inclusive.
Personal belief exemptions are no longer given, but her personal belief exemption was valid when she entered 7th grade, so she is covered through 12th grade. If the high school asks, you may be required to present a copy of the personal belief exemption she had in 6th grade that allowed her to enter 7th grade.
Penelope 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi everyone. A good website for details is http://www.shotsforschool.org/laws/sb277faq/#Q11 According to this page, if you have a pbe on file before the start of this year, that exemption is good until the next grade spans. The grade spans are kindergarten to 6th grade and 7-12th. So, if your child was in the 2nd grade last year and had a pbe on file they would be good through 6th grade. If your child … Read More
Hi everyone. A good website for details is http://www.shotsforschool.org/laws/sb277faq/#Q11 According to this page, if you have a pbe on file before the start of this year, that exemption is good until the next grade spans. The grade spans are kindergarten to 6th grade and 7-12th. So, if your child was in the 2nd grade last year and had a pbe on file they would be good through 6th grade. If your child was in the 7th grade last year and got a pbe they would good through 12th (some colleges are now requiring vaccination so battle is not over). If however you were in the 6th grade last year and got a pbe, you would need a new exemption this fall as your child would be entering a new grade span. Philosophical waivers are no longer accepted and can not be turned in. The only exception is a medical waiver.
I recommend going on to a Facebook group such as California Coalition for Vaccine Choice and finding a doctor to attempt to get a waiver. There is also at least one lawsuit beginning as well and I know a lawyer was looking for parents that this would affect. Again the Facebook group is a good site for lawsuit info. Waivers must be signed by a osteopath or a MD. Home schools seem to vary in if you can take classes or not. I believe Santa Barbara is beginning to scrutinize all medical waivers and sent out a notice stating this.
Good luck! Find a MD soon that will potentially give you a waiver as I have heard that some doctors have many, many, many people on their waiting list.
Emily 7 years ago7 years ago
I’m also a bit cloudy on this. My son had a PBE in place for 6th grade. He’s been at the same school since and is now entering a new public high school. He is entering 9th grade. Can I still transfer his PBE to this school (same state) or can I submit a new one before 7/1/2016? Can anyone clear this up? Any advice is appreciated
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Emily. Your son is entering high school, so he is not facing a vaccination checkpoint. The law defines vaccination checkpoints as “grade spans,” as follows: Birth to preschool, Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten, Grades 7 to 12, inclusive. Personal belief exemptions are no longer given, but his personal belief exemption was valid when he entered 7th grade, so he is covered … Read More
Hi Emily. Your son is entering high school, so he is not facing a vaccination checkpoint. The law defines vaccination checkpoints as “grade spans,” as follows:
Birth to preschool,
Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten,
Grades 7 to 12, inclusive.
Personal belief exemptions are no longer given, but his personal belief exemption was valid when he entered 7th grade, so he is covered through 12th grade. If the high school asks, you may be required to present a copy of the personal belief exemption he had in 6th grade that allowed him to enter 7th grade.
Ashley 7 years ago7 years ago
I think I am still a little bit confused. We signed a PBE at my daughters home preschool before January 1, 2016. She is set to start kindergarten this fall. Can we go ahead and register her for kinder since we have the personal belief exemption on file with her current preschool? I’m getting mixed answers
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Ashley. No, you won't be allowed to register your daughter for kindergarten without showing proof of vaccination or a medical exemption. The personal belief exemption your daughter had in preschool does not apply to kindergarten. The law defines vaccination checkpoints as “grade spans,” as follows: Birth to preschool; Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten; Grades 7 to 12, inclusive. At those checkpoints, students who attend school must provide proof of … Read More
Hi Ashley. No, you won’t be allowed to register your daughter for kindergarten without showing proof of vaccination or a medical exemption. The personal belief exemption your daughter had in preschool does not apply to kindergarten. The law defines vaccination checkpoints as “grade spans,” as follows: Birth to preschool; Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten; Grades 7 to 12, inclusive. At those checkpoints, students who attend school must provide proof of immunization or a medical exemption form.
Elizabeth Velazquez 7 years ago7 years ago
Hello,
My son will be entering Kinder this fall. My concern is that he needs to “immunized”, I DO NOT want to do such thing to my son. Is there any way I would be able to get a medical exemption?
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Elizabeth. Talk to your son's doctor about why he might qualify for a medical exemption. Here's how it works: Children may obtain a written medical exemption to vaccinations from a licensed physician medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) There is no standard medical exemption form but the statement must say: That the physical condition or medical circumstances of the child, which may include family medical history, are such … Read More
Hi Elizabeth. Talk to your son’s doctor about why he might qualify for a medical exemption. Here’s how it works: Children may obtain a written medical exemption to vaccinations from a licensed physician medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) There is no standard medical exemption form but the statement must say:
That the physical condition or medical circumstances of the child, which may include family medical history, are such that the required immunization(s) is not indicated
Which vaccines are being exempted
Whether the medical exemption is permanent or temporary
The expiration date, if the exemption is temporary.
Yadira 7 years ago7 years ago
I am having issues registering my daughter in Kindergarten. Her Doctor does not want to give her a medical excempt note. She does, however, have an IEP for speech. Does that exclude her from the bill because of her IEP?
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Jackie 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Yadira, Your child is exempt from vaccines because of her IEP. There was an amendment to SB277 that went into place this year on January 2016. Print this link out and show it to your district, it is a state and federal law and the district can be sued if they don't comply, this includes if your child is mainstreaming and stated in the IEP. This new law is located in section 2(h): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB277. I … Read More
Hi Yadira,
Your child is exempt from vaccines because of her IEP. There was an amendment to SB277 that went into place this year on January 2016. Print this link out and show it to your district, it is a state and federal law and the district can be sued if they don’t comply, this includes if your child is mainstreaming and stated in the IEP. This new law is located in section 2(h):
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB277. I had issues as well with registration, but when I showed them printout they complied right away. Good luck and I hope this helps.
Inessa 6 years ago6 years ago
Hi Jackie, found this comment relevant to my situation. My child just turned 3 and has IEP for Occupational services and phonological services. Do you know if I could still use the language in the law when enrolling him in a head start program ?
Jamilla 7 years ago7 years ago
I have a PBE filed with the district before Jan 1, 2016 and my son will be entering 7th grade. Will this PBE apply to 7-12th grade and will he be grandfathered in?
Thanks
jen 7 years ago7 years ago
My son will be entering 7th grade, he's had some vaccines but not all. His school informed me he cannot enter 7th grade without the TDAP, my son does not want to be home schooled, so we got the TDAP. The school now said he needs to be caught up on ALL vaccines. The number of those shots to happen in the next two months makes me very uncomfortable. I cannot believe that we are … Read More
My son will be entering 7th grade, he’s had some vaccines but not all. His school informed me he cannot enter 7th grade without the TDAP, my son does not want to be home schooled, so we got the TDAP. The school now said he needs to be caught up on ALL vaccines. The number of those shots to happen in the next two months makes me very uncomfortable. I cannot believe that we are being forced to go against our own judgment just to have our children enrolled in school! I’ve compromised on the most concerning vaccines, I am surprised schools will risk the funding they will lose when parents decide to home school. Is it likely this bill will be changed, or is their any way to override it?
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Melissa 7 years ago7 years ago
As far as I have read from the law and this website,http://www.shotsforschool.org/ it’s only mmr and dtap required by the law, not a catch up schedule for 7th grade.
Chris 7 years ago7 years ago
I’m sorry to say that I’m still not sure how this all works. If my unvaccinated son is in a private preschool and I signed a personal beliefs exemption, and he will enter public school kindergarten this august. Do we have to get him immunized before starting school?
Anne 7 years ago7 years ago
My child is a 7th grader and has a 504 plan (he has autism) but does not receive any special education classes or services at school. He is in a regular program at school with no aide. Will he be exempt from the bill? My child is only missing 2 vaccinations but I want to space them apart so he wont have received them by August 2016 when school starts and … Read More
My child is a 7th grader and has a 504 plan (he has autism) but does not receive any special education classes or services at school. He is in a regular program at school with no aide. Will he be exempt from the bill?
My child is only missing 2 vaccinations but I want to space them apart so he wont have received them by August 2016 when school starts and when the law goes into effect. Can the district legally not allow my child to come to school if he is only missing two vaccinations? (MMR And Polio). Thank you.
Teresa Peters 7 years ago7 years ago
I see that if the personal belief is on file before Jan of 2016, then a child can transfer between schools, but I need to figure out if a child can go from homeschool back into a regular school or private school.
Do you know?
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Teresa. Given that you have a personal belief exemption for your child on file before Jan. 1, 2016, I would expect the exemption to be valid when your child moved from a home school to a public or private school, until the next grade span. Where is the exemption on file? If it is on file at a school, I would think that would give you even more clout in making the case. Jane
Nadine Zaleski 7 years ago7 years ago
I see that no.one attempted to answer Keren's question. Anyone? It's a GREAT question, Keren. When vaccines become SAFE, when the voices of scientists,doctors and parents whose children have been gravely injured by vaccines are not paid settlements that are hushed and shuffled out of court, I would only then consider to vaccinate. When tests and analysis are not performed by the very companies that stand to gain or lose billions of revenue by vaccines, … Read More
I see that no.one attempted to answer Keren’s question. Anyone? It’s a GREAT question, Keren. When vaccines become SAFE, when the voices of scientists,doctors and parents whose children have been gravely injured by vaccines are not paid settlements that are hushed and shuffled out of court, I would only then consider to vaccinate. When tests and analysis are not performed by the very companies that stand to gain or lose billions of revenue by vaccines, I will consider. How long did it take before some of the most toxic metals known to man were eradicated from the vaccines? Too long. Why is it so difficult for folks to believe this is NOT just about science, but about the integrity and or lack thereof, and greed of the vaccine makers and their connections with the CDC? A lot of people need to start using their beautiful minds.
Anonymous 7 years ago7 years ago
If a child is entering 7th grade, but had had the vaccine in kindergarten, is he/she still required to have it in 7th grade, in order to attend public school?
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Yes.
Annette Richmond 7 years ago7 years ago
Hello. My daughter is entering a new district for 9th grade. Up to this point she is unvaccinated through personal belief exemption. The high school is giving us a hard time, but as far as I understand the law she doesn’t need all those vaccines because she isn’t entering 7th grade – a vaccine checkpoint. Am I correct? Thank you.
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Annette. Yes, you are correct, as long as you have documentation to prove that your daughter's personal belief exemption was filed with a California school before January 1, 2016. The exemption is valid until entry into the next grade span (7th through 12th grade) and 9th grade, as you note, is not a new grade span, so the exemption is still valid. The exemption she has can be transferred between schools within and across school … Read More
Hi Annette.
Yes, you are correct, as long as you have documentation to prove that your daughter’s personal belief exemption was filed with a California school before January 1, 2016. The exemption is valid until entry into the next grade span (7th through 12th grade) and 9th grade, as you note, is not a new grade span, so the exemption is still valid. The exemption she has can be transferred between schools within and across school districts in California. Keep me posted.
Mom22 7 years ago7 years ago
Hello Jane,
Thank you very much for your article! My teenager has been homeschooled for all her life and we are considering enrolling her in a public or private high school here in California. She has never been vaccinated. Will she be required to be immunized upon entering the 9th grade? Thank you in advance for your reply!
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Dear Mom22,
Does your daughter have a personal belief exemption that was filed before Jan. 1, 2016? If not, and she has never been vaccinated, she will be required to be vaccinated before entering 9th grade.
Jane
Kate 7 years ago7 years ago
My child is in tk right now and has the PBE ..my question is will she have to get vaccinated when she goes to kindergarten? Or is she grandfathered until 7 th grade
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Kate.
A personal belief exemption filed before Jan. 1, 2016 for transitional kindergarten is good until the next grade span, which as you note is 7th grade. She will not need to be vaccinated before kindergarten. Transitional kindergarten and kindergarten are both considered to be the start of a grade span that continues until 7th grade.
Jane
Genelle 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi, I have been looking for information everywhere and even calling the Education Department and it seems like I can't get any answers. I have a child who will be of preschool age but since I can't enroll her in a preschool program in the fall, I am going to homeschool her. I have several friends in the neighborhood who will also be unable to send their child to a preschool because of the mandate. … Read More
Hi, I have been looking for information everywhere and even calling the Education Department and it seems like I can’t get any answers. I have a child who will be of preschool age but since I can’t enroll her in a preschool program in the fall, I am going to homeschool her. I have several friends in the neighborhood who will also be unable to send their child to a preschool because of the mandate. I want to start my own homeschool program for 3-5 year olds (there will be about 4 kids total). How can I go about doing this? If I get licensed then they won’t be able to join because they are not vaccinated. I was planning on charging a fee that will go towards materials and snacks. Is there a way for parents to create their own homeschool co-op and get paid? I have heard from a homeschool group that I can offer supplemental services and say I am providing an enrichment program for the kids. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to get everything ready by the fall and want to abide by the laws.
cheryl lockhart 7 years ago7 years ago
For high school students who are getting ready to graduate are they making them get vaccinated-for example for the 2016-2017 school year?
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Cheryl. Students in high school do not pass through a vaccination checkpoint so unless they are switching schools, they would not be required to show proof of vaccination. As to what vaccinations are required before entering college, that depends on the college so you could check on their website. By 2017 in the University of California system, all incoming students will be required to show documentation for hepatitis B vaccination, TB screening and four more … Read More
Hi Cheryl.
Students in high school do not pass through a vaccination checkpoint so unless they are switching schools, they would not be required to show proof of vaccination. As to what vaccinations are required before entering college, that depends on the college so you could check on their website. By 2017 in the University of California system, all incoming students will be required to show documentation for hepatitis B vaccination, TB screening and four more types of vaccines: measles, mumps and rubella; meningococcus; varicella (chicken pox); and tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Since 2002, students entering the California State University system have been required to show proof of vaccination against measles, rubella and hepatitis B and have been encouraged to obtain the meningitis vaccine if they live in dormitories.
Terry 6 years ago6 years ago
The UC system has relaxed the vaccine requirements again this year for 2017 incoming students because the Board of Regents have not submitted a completed Resolution, therefore they can only make recommendations with exemptions.
Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Cheryl.
No.
Colleges might require immunizations though.
Jane
jill lutz 7 years ago7 years ago
If a parent has not given any shots, how do they catch up? Does the doctor put them on a plan and sign a form so a preschool/kindergarten student can come to school?
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Jill. Yes, a doctor would put a child on a plan to catch up, but certain immunizations must already have been given before a student may enter transitional kindergarten or kindergarten. The TK/K student must have a mumps and a rubella vaccination before enrolling and must have had at least one dose of the following vaccines: polio; diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; measles; hepatitus B; and varicella (chicken pox.) The student must be as current … Read More
Hi Jill. Yes, a doctor would put a child on a plan to catch up, but certain immunizations must already have been given before a student may enter transitional kindergarten or kindergarten. The TK/K student must have a mumps and a rubella vaccination before enrolling and must have had at least one dose of the following vaccines: polio; diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; measles; hepatitus B; and varicella (chicken pox.) The student must be as current as possible on additional doses, given the need to space out certain vaccine doses.
Julie West 7 years ago7 years ago
Does anyone see the mandatory vaccination law being overturned in California? Also, should a parent with a 6 month old and a two year old, do anything “now” to get an exemption or something to show that they will be homeschooling, to get in early in case the law changes and includes homeschoolers to be vaccinated.
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Julie. A referendum drive to repeal SB 277 failed to collect enough signatures to be put on the November 2016 ballot. Vaccine opponents have said they will challenge the law in court, but precedent does not support the idea that vaccination requirements are unconstitutional. Since 1905, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled at least four times to uphold the constitutionality of laws requiring vaccinations in the interest of public health and safety. As far … Read More
Hi Julie. A referendum drive to repeal SB 277 failed to collect enough signatures to be put on the November 2016 ballot. Vaccine opponents have said they will challenge the law in court, but precedent does not support the idea that vaccination requirements are unconstitutional. Since 1905, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled at least four times to uphold the constitutionality of laws requiring vaccinations in the interest of public health and safety. As far as exemptions to SB 277 go, it appears that the only sure exemption is for medical reasons.
JenMo 7 years ago7 years ago
My daughter is in fifth grade this year and I'm hoping things will be looking better before the end of sixth grade for her. However, I'm hanging on to the hope that we will be able to submit titer tests if this law is not overturned. What is your interpretation with regard to titer testing for meeting the 7th grade Tdap requirements? Also wondering if we can prove that she has adequate immunity to one or … Read More
My daughter is in fifth grade this year and I’m hoping things will be looking better before the end of sixth grade for her. However, I’m hanging on to the hope that we will be able to submit titer tests if this law is not overturned. What is your interpretation with regard to titer testing for meeting the 7th grade Tdap requirements?
Also wondering if we can prove that she has adequate immunity to one or more of the components, can you even get individual vaccines today? I worry that it’s the combination shot or nothing.
Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Dear Cinnamon, The law specifies that a student enrolled in an independent study program who "does not receive classroom-based instruction" is not subject to immunization requirements for entry in 2016 or future years. Schools are required to report the immunization status of independent study students, but that of course is not the same as requiring those students to be immunized. It seems that the district is interpreting entering school property to report to a teacher once … Read More
Dear Cinnamon,
The law specifies that a student enrolled in an independent study program who “does not receive classroom-based instruction” is not subject to immunization requirements for entry in 2016 or future years. Schools are required to report the immunization status of independent study students, but that of course is not the same as requiring those students to be immunized. It seems that the district is interpreting entering school property to report to a teacher once a week as receiving “classroom-based instruction.” The state has not issued detailed regulations yet, which means districts are interpreting the law in a variety of ways. Let us know what happens. Jane
Cinnamon 7 years ago7 years ago
Your information about alternative options for schooling if you don't want to immunize your children is conflicting to what we are being told locally. I'm wondering if you could clarify the IS exemption. Our district is being told that IS students require immunizations. Here, IS generally consists of a student reporting to the teacher once a week to turn in work, ask questions, and get new work. Because … Read More
Your information about alternative options for schooling if you don’t want to immunize your children is conflicting to what we are being told locally. I’m wondering if you could clarify the IS exemption. Our district is being told that IS students require immunizations. Here, IS generally consists of a student reporting to the teacher once a week to turn in work, ask questions, and get new work. Because they are doing this on school property, immunization are required. Your article tags the opposite to me. Thank you for all the great information!
Melissa Morgan 7 years ago7 years ago
I believe I read the answer on another post, but would like to be 100% clear. I filed a PBE when my daughter entered 7th grade back in 2014. She will be entering 9th grade in our same district this fall. Is there anything I need to do for her to ensure her schedule will be released or will the PBE still remain in effect as it was filed before the deadline?
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Dear Melissa,
Your daughter’s personal belief exemption filed before entering 7th grade remains in effect through the grade span of 7th through 12th grade.
Jane
Ildiko Cziglenyi 7 years ago7 years ago
So does that mean my daughter needs more shots to go to high school, even though she got the tdap shot that allowed her to enter into 7th grade last year?
Ildiko Cziglenyi 7 years ago7 years ago
My daughter will be going into a new school for ninth grade next year. On the registration form, they ask if she has all her immunizations up-to-date or if we have a waiver. We filed a personal exemption waiver in '07 with the elementary school she attended. The only shot that she had is the tdap shot prior to seventh grade, which we went ahead and got. Does this waiver allow her to not have … Read More
My daughter will be going into a new school for ninth grade next year. On the registration form, they ask if she has all her immunizations up-to-date or if we have a waiver. We filed a personal exemption waiver in ’07 with the elementary school she attended. The only shot that she had is the tdap shot prior to seventh grade, which we went ahead and got. Does this waiver allow her to not have to be immunized for high school? I’m trying to understand that part in the law. What about children who currently have personal belief exemptions on file? Does my daughter fall under this part of the law — “7-12 inclusive” — and is she therefore exempt?
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Ildiko Cziglenyi 7 years ago7 years ago
Here's a little more info on my previous comment that might help someone answer one question regarding my daughter's enrollment into high school. The high school is within the same school district and town as her elementary school. The waiver that was signed by her dad in '07 is a personal belief waiver that was not signed by a doctor, but was accepted by the school. It was good enough for her to attend elementary … Read More
Here’s a little more info on my previous comment that might help someone answer one question regarding my daughter’s enrollment into high school. The high school is within the same school district and town as her elementary school. The waiver that was signed by her dad in ’07 is a personal belief waiver that was not signed by a doctor, but was accepted by the school. It was good enough for her to attend elementary school until the requirement for her to have tdap prior to entering seventh grade. This she had done. My question is: Is this waiver enough to enter into high school?
Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Ildiko. This would be straight-forward if she had filed a personal belief exemption before entry to 7th grade (before Jan. 1, 2016, of course). If so, that exemption would remain in place through 12th grade at any California school. Even so, it seems that she may still have a waiver, depending on what paperwork you provided to the school in 7th grade. When she obtained a personal belief exemption back in elementary school in 2007, a … Read More
Hi Ildiko.
This would be straight-forward if she had filed a personal belief exemption before entry to 7th grade (before Jan. 1, 2016, of course). If so, that exemption would remain in place through 12th grade at any California school.
Even so, it seems that she may still have a waiver, depending on what paperwork you provided to the school in 7th grade.
When she obtained a personal belief exemption back in elementary school in 2007, a signature from a health care provider was not necessary — that became required as of Jan. 1, 2014. Still, that exemption doesn’t actually hold much weight now that she has entered the next grade span — 7th through 12th grade. It seems from what you wrote that she met the 7th grade vaccination requirements that were in place at the time.
So why might she be asked to meet vaccination requirements in 9th grade? The sticking point might be documentation.
Shotsforschools, the California Department of Public Health website, states that students changing schools have to bring documentation with them. “However, if the personal beliefs exemption documentation is no longer available, students must meet immunization requirements or be enrolled in an independent study program and do not receive classroom-based instruction or in a home-based private school.”
Regan Stover 7 years ago7 years ago
My son is enrolled in TK and has a PBE on file. If I take him out of TK will his PBE still transfer to K?
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Kayla Wildman 7 years ago7 years ago
Yes, the PBE filed for your child for transitional kindergarten will “transfer” to kindergarten and will be good through 6th grade.
keren sasson 7 years ago7 years ago
I don’t understand that if the kids have vaccines, why are the parents are worried about having a non-vaccinated kid in the class?
Cathy McDowell 7 years ago7 years ago
My grandson began preschool in 2015. My daughter stated religious beliefs to exempt him from vaccinations. She is trying to transfer him to another preschool in the same county and they are refusing him because she has nothing signed by a healthcare provider. What is the status of religious exemptions?
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Cathy. When your grandson began preschool in 2015, your daughter ought to have been required to complete a form for a personal belief or religious exemption that was signed by a health care provider. That form should have been turned into the school. It looked like this: http://www.amadorcoe.org/Health/CDPH-8262.pdf If the school had the signed form, your grandson would be allowed to take that exemption with him when he transferred to his new preschool. As with personal … Read More
Hi Cathy.
When your grandson began preschool in 2015, your daughter ought to have been required to complete a form for a personal belief or religious exemption that was signed by a health care provider. That form should have been turned into the school. It looked like this: http://www.amadorcoe.org/Health/CDPH-8262.pdf If the school had the signed form, your grandson would be allowed to take that exemption with him when he transferred to his new preschool.
As with personal belief exemptions, religious exemptions to vaccination requirements are no longer allowed. The ability to obtain a religious exemption ended as of Jan. 1, 2016. Because religious exemptions were never included in state law — they were included at the last minute as a line on the personal belief exemption form at the request of Gov. Brown — they have not been mentioned much in the conversations about SB 277.
Jane
Kayla Wildman 7 years ago7 years ago
A health care practitioner’s signature was NOT required for a religious exemption under AB2109. Your grandchild’s religious exemption, because it was filed with a preschool in 2015, should “transfer” to any preschool in California.
Lynn 7 years ago7 years ago
Our Pediatrician signed a PBE for our 2 year old daughter in December. I thought that that we had 90 days from the date the PBE was signed to enroll her in a preschool. Can you please clarify? Thank you so much!
Justin Shook 7 years ago7 years ago
Any advice…. We are being told that our TK daughter that has a personal belief exemption will have to get shots, because our school district checks at TK and Kindergarten. This is not what the law states. Any help would be appreciated
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Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Justin. You might refer the district to the text of the law. These are the relevant sections: "A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization shall be allowed enrollment to any private or public elementary or secondary school, child day … Read More
Hi Justin.
You might refer the district to the text of the law.
These are the relevant sections: “A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization shall be allowed enrollment to any private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center within the state until the pupil enrolls in the next grade span.”
Grade spans are defined this way:
“Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten.”
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB277
Keep us posted.
Jane
Kris 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi, I currently have a Transitional Kindergartner that has a PBE on file at her charter school. My question is, since the entry point is Kindergarten, is my child’s PBE able to transfer to Kindergarten from TK? In other words, is TK and Kindergarten considered the same entry point? Thanks for any light you can shed on this.
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Kris.
Your transitional kindergarten student’s personal belief exemption will remain in effect until the next vaccination check-point, which will be entry into 7th grade.
If a student is enrolled in transitional kindergarten, TK is the vaccination checkpoint. If a student is not enrolled in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten entry is the checkpoint.
Hope that helps.
Jane
Jana 7 years ago7 years ago
We moved from Miami, Florida to Los Angeles, California a week ago. Florida allows a personal/religious exemption, which we used. Aside from the medical exemption, is there anything we can do since we weren’t here before December 31, 2015?
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Jana.
In short, the answer is no, unless your child receives a medical exemption or you opt to home school or enroll in an independent study program without classroom instruction. Personal belief exemptions are no longer being granted in California. And as a new student in a district, your child will be required to show proof of vaccinations.
Jane
Amber 7 years ago7 years ago
My daughter is currently in kindergarten and homeschooled...however we are planning on having her in a private school for 1st grade in the fall. We have a signed PBE but I am wondering if that will be valid to make the transfer since she is homeschooled. In CA, homeschooled kindergarteners aren't "on record" because technically homeschool "doesn't count" until the 1st grade. Does anyone have any info about this particular kind of situation? Will her … Read More
My daughter is currently in kindergarten and homeschooled…however we are planning on having her in a private school for 1st grade in the fall. We have a signed PBE but I am wondering if that will be valid to make the transfer since she is homeschooled. In CA, homeschooled kindergarteners aren’t “on record” because technically homeschool “doesn’t count” until the 1st grade. Does anyone have any info about this particular kind of situation? Will her current PBE be valid for the fall of 2016 in a new school?
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Amber.
I believe she will have to be vaccinated, according to the California Department of Public Health. While transitional kindergarten/kindergarten is a vaccination check point, students who have not been enrolled in TK or kindergarten will have to meet the requirements when they enter school, according to my reporting.
Terry 6 years ago6 years ago
@Amber If you filed a private school affidavit with the State for TK/K (inclusive) your PBE that was submitted prior to Jan 1, 2016 is transferable to all public and private schools in CA and valid until the 7th grade checkpoint.
Tiffanie 7 years ago7 years ago
I have a 3 year old who I want to start in preschool. Are home-based preschools/ childcare businesses required to abide by the new law?? Or can my daughter attend in home business vaccine free?! Thank You
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Tiffanie.
The text of the law says it applies to “any private or public elementary or secondary school, child care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center.” A family day care home sounds like a home-based childcare business.
Jim Ledbetter Sr. 7 years ago7 years ago
I have a parent who just dropped of a personal letter from them (it appears) not a doctor, nurse or healthcare provider referencings a whole bunch of codes and the Senate Bill 277 indicating that as long as they did this before January 1, 2016 that they can exempt their son from immunization requirements. Threatening legal action of required to do so and on and on and on. Question: 1. If this student is beyond … Read More
I have a parent who just dropped of a personal letter from them (it appears) not a doctor, nurse or healthcare provider referencings a whole bunch of codes and the Senate Bill 277 indicating that as long as they did this before January 1, 2016 that they can exempt their son from immunization requirements. Threatening legal action of required to do so and on and on and on.
Question:
1. If this student is beyond the 7th grade – does that exempt him from immunization requirements
2. Is it true that all a parent has to do is write a nice looking letter before January 1, 2016 and that binds our hand for requiring Immunizations
3. If a student has an IEP are they exempt from getting all the immunizations
My reading of the Law tells me that this is a lot of bluster with no basis but I could be wrong. So my question is – is this individual family letter calling itself a PBE affidavit support and remove the shot requirements going into place on 1-1-2016?
Jim ledbetter Sr
Registrar Sherman E. Burrough High School
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 7 years ago7 years ago
Hi Jim.
As you may have discovered, a personal letter is not a personal belief exemption form, which must be signed by a health care provider. How did this issue resolve itself? As you know, the deadline was Dec. 31, 2015. A student who is beyond 7th grade and has a valid personal belief exemption does not need to fulfill immunization requirements through 12th grade.
Keep me posted.
Jane
Terry 6 years ago6 years ago
@Jim Ledbetter Sr., The PBE requirement of AB2109 in effect two years ago allows the parent to submit a letter or use the form checking the religious exemption and did not require a doctor’s signature. I hope you were able to resolve the issue with your student’s parents amicably without legal expense.
Marubia Weissenberg 7 years ago7 years ago
Does anyone have a sample letter I can copy or write? I just saw this and need to fill out a form and write a letter? Confused but need to hand it in asap ! Help if you can send me a copy of what to say in my letter!! Not religious belief, just personal belief. thanks!!
LUMI POP 8 years ago8 years ago
Would you please explain this line: “If parents wish to obtain a personal belief exemption before Jan. 1, 2016, they should go to their child’s school, pick up a personal belief exemption form, meet with a health care practitioner and obtain the practitioner’s signature, and return the form to the school before the deadline.” Does this apply just to kindergarten students, or to those in higher grades?
Replies
Michelle 7 years ago7 years ago
Hello, I have a question if anyone knows the answer that would be great! I currently have 4 children ages 18,13,5, and 2 ... My 18 and 13 year old were almost fully vaccinated .My two youngest My 5 yr old had a couple and my 2 yr old has had NONE we have choose not to vaccinate because of a lot of info that me and my husband researched . I have a … Read More
Hello,
I have a question if anyone knows the answer that would be great! I currently have 4 children ages 18,13,5, and 2 … My 18 and 13 year old were almost fully vaccinated .My two youngest My 5 yr old had a couple and my 2 yr old has had NONE we have choose not to vaccinate because of a lot of info that me and my husband researched . I have a question for my 13 yr old. She is currently in 8th grade in Jr. High. She will be going to High School in 2016 school year and she has had all her vaccines except the one that was required again in jr.high… I believe it was a booster . She has a personal belief form on file at her current school, but when she goes to her home school for High School is she going to be required to show proof of vaccines again? Or does everything get automatically transferred over from her jr.high? Thank you so much for any info and if there is any current forms to sign to stop this bill that is in progress please let me know ! Thanks and GOD BLESS!!!
Dadof4 8 years ago8 years ago
This is amazing! The collection of lies and misinformation in this comment section is astounding. Vaccines are the single most effective bit of medicine on the planet. Nothing else comes close. To use lies and misinformation to place your children and those of other people at risk is foolhardy, poor parenting, and unbelievably sad. The world is not out to get you. If you really think that 98% … Read More
This is amazing! The collection of lies and misinformation in this comment section is astounding. Vaccines are the single most effective bit of medicine on the planet. Nothing else comes close. To use lies and misinformation to place your children and those of other people at risk is foolhardy, poor parenting, and unbelievably sad. The world is not out to get you. If you really think that 98% of all physicians, scientists, and public health professionals are involved in some very low paying conspiracy to spend 20+ years of their lives amassing the education and expertise necessary to place your kids (and theirs…I’m a father of 4) at risk, well, you are extremely misguided.
Replies
Lo 7 years ago7 years ago
Actually, you are wrong in every way. You have been force fed a lifetime worth of bad and dangerous information. Please do your due diligence and research the issue properly. And by properly, I mean not just “research” bought and paid for by big pharma. That’s a conflict of interest.
LUMI POP 8 years ago8 years ago
PLEASE explain me this paragraph of the law: "(g) (1) A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization shall be allowed enrollment to any private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, … Read More
PLEASE explain me this paragraph of the law: “(g) (1) A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization shall be allowed enrollment to any private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center within the state until the pupil enrolls in the next grade span.
”
If my child will be in kindergarten next year, 2016, can I get the exception form this year and enroll him next year? To me it is confusing this , since I don’t think it is for the kids already in school, but the new ones, right? For the ones already in school the exemption form exists in their file already, so for who exactly is this applicable then?
Thank you
Replies
Monique Alexander 7 years ago7 years ago
Here is the answer to your question. I was a little confused at first as well. It is telling us that if a child has a personal beliefs exemption on file prior to Jan 1, 2016, that exemption will only be valid for whichever immunization checkpoint category the child falls into. My daughter will enter pre-school on an exemption status, however when I need to enroll her in kindergarten, her exemption will no longer be … Read More
Here is the answer to your question. I was a little confused at first as well. It is telling us that if a child has a personal beliefs exemption on file prior to Jan 1, 2016, that exemption will only be valid for whichever immunization checkpoint category the child falls into. My daughter will enter pre-school on an exemption status, however when I need to enroll her in kindergarten, her exemption will no longer be valid and she will be required to become immunized.
What about children who currently have personal belief exemptions on file?
Children who hold personal belief exemptions to vaccinations before Jan. 1, 2016 are not subject to the
law until they reach their next vaccination checkpoint.
The law defines these checkpoints as “grade spans,” as follows:
Birth to preschool,
Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten,
Grades 7 to 12, inclusive.
Adrienne Owen 8 years ago8 years ago
What do you do if the school district is not verifying in writing that they have a PBE on file? I want it in writing that the school confirms that they received it. They would not give me back my original when asked. Just a copy with a date stamp and initials. I want something more legitimate. Perhaps send the copy with a letter written on it that he has one of file via certified mail?
Replies
Kristie Burchit 7 years ago7 years ago
Copy with date stamp and initials is sufficient.
THauer 8 years ago8 years ago
I have a question, if my kids currently have waivers on file to grandfather them and they attend a public charter that is k-12, do they still do a checkpoint at 7th grade, even though they aren’t changing schools? I’m hoping this a loop hole…
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Louise 8 years ago8 years ago
Dear Jane, thank you so much for this very helpful web site. I have a seventh grader (just started in Sept) entered into private school in CA with an incomplete vaccination schedule and an existing signed personal beliefs immunization record from elementary. My kiddo is on the autism spectrum with a 504 just transitioned off an IEP. The new school has given me the the standard school immunization record to fill out telling me they … Read More
Dear Jane, thank you so much for this very helpful web site. I have a seventh grader (just started in Sept) entered into private school in CA with an incomplete vaccination schedule and an existing signed personal beliefs immunization record from elementary. My kiddo is on the autism spectrum with a 504 just transitioned off an IEP. The new school has given me the the standard school immunization record to fill out telling me they have to inform authorities of all their students not meeting complete vaccination history. If I fill this out and also complete a new, signed PBE form before end Dec 2015 will this exempt my child from requiring the completed record of vaccinations for 7-12 grade? OR will we need to still meet 7th grade admitting requirements DTap, MMR, etc., Thank you.
Kristie Burchit 7 years ago7 years ago
Yes Louise it would have. I hope you did.
Kristie Burchit 7 years ago7 years ago
Checkpoint at 7th grade
Jennifer 8 years ago8 years ago
We moved from Las Vegas to California in July 2013. Nevada allows a religious exemption which we used. Now in California we have a PBE for 2 of our 4 children. The oldest is already in 10th grade and therfore will not hit another checkpoint. It just occurred to me as I read this that my son, who is in 4th grade this year and has not attended a California school during a vaccine required … Read More
We moved from Las Vegas to California in July 2013. Nevada allows a religious exemption which we used. Now in California we have a PBE for 2 of our 4 children. The oldest is already in 10th grade and therfore will not hit another checkpoint. It just occurred to me as I read this that my son, who is in 4th grade this year and has not attended a California school during a vaccine required grade (he started here in 2nd grade), does not have a PBE on file but it seems he needs one in order to not require vaccines in 5th or 6th grade. I don’t want to move back to Nevada but homeschooling will be very difficult. I’m definitely very stressed out over this situation.
Carry 8 years ago8 years ago
I have a question my son is in preschool but attends the elementary for speech. I asked the elementary school if I will need to redo all of his paperwork when he enrolls into kindergarten next year 2016. They said no that he is considered a student of their school. I am wondering if anyone knows wether he can be grandfathered in. I provided them with an vaccination exemption form last year when he started taking speech therapy. Thank you
Melissa Forrest-Garcia 8 years ago8 years ago
I am part of the Referendum volunteer effort trying to stop SB277 from going into effect. If you would like to sign the petition, it must be done in person (not online) and done by the end of this week in order for it to get to Sacto on time. The referendum seeks also to put SB277 on the Nov Ballot for a Vote! As a parent who has chosen to do … Read More
I am part of the Referendum volunteer effort trying to stop SB277 from going into effect. If you would like to sign the petition, it must be done in person (not online) and done by the end of this week in order for it to get to Sacto on time. The referendum seeks also to put SB277 on the Nov Ballot for a Vote! As a parent who has chosen to do an alternative schedule of vaccines, I see this issue as one of Fighting SB277 to maintain my parental rights, not one about whether one is a pro, slow, or no-vaxer.
Please contact me if you would like to sign the petition at melissaforrestgarcia@mac.com
JM 8 years ago8 years ago
What about homeopathic immunizations/vaccinations? Do they fulfill the vaccination requirement?
Replies
Kristie Burchit 7 years ago7 years ago
No nor can you show titer testing. Because this was all about health, right? Yeah right!
Melissa Forret-gsrcia 8 years ago8 years ago
Is it True that there has been an addendum to SB 277, which states that children who need to catch up on missed vaccinations, will not have to do them all at once? In other words, they will be able to space out the vaccinations so as to avoid vaccine injury by doing too many shots at once. I’m guessing that this is where the conditional admittance to school is implemented.
Rosemarie Alpay 8 years ago8 years ago
I am a school nurse in Early Head Start (children are 0-23 months). One of our programs is home-based where teachers provide education and support at child’s home. The program also offers Family School Day, a social event held at a school site where families come to meet other families. How does SB277 impact our children who do not have complete immunizations due to parent’s personal belief?
V 8 years ago8 years ago
as an RN and parent, I find this law unethical, unconstutional and frankly evil. If vaccines were completely safe, we would not have a need for this law. Everyone would want them. Nobody wants their child to get sick. But, vaccines are not safe... We are told they are but, Many have been harmed and this constantly gets swept under the rug. The long term effects of injecting KNOWN toxins … Read More
as an RN and parent, I find this law unethical, unconstutional and frankly evil. If vaccines were completely safe, we would not have a need for this law. Everyone would want them. Nobody wants their child to get sick. But, vaccines are not safe… We are told they are but, Many have been harmed and this constantly gets swept under the rug. The long term effects of injecting KNOWN toxins over and over into a small child have not been studied. Cancer rates are now 1in 3, autism is now unbelievably 1in 88. Childhood asthma is on the rise. Our kids are getting sicker, not healthier, and nobody seems to consider the long term effects of these toxins being injected directly into our beautiful pristine children. How can we truly believe that this is the best way to obtain community health? What about hand washing, extended breast feeding, clean water, organic food? Can we mandate those things??
Replies
Melissa Forret-gsrcia 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi V, have you had a chance to sign the Referendum to stop SB 277 yet? I am collecting signatures and would be happy to come to you to help you sign. You can email me at melissaforrest@mac.com.
Jen 7 years ago7 years ago
Very well stated! This new law appears unconstitutional. Breastfeeding is crucial.
Steve 8 years ago8 years ago
I believe that Kindergarten is still optional in CA. If a nursery school is licensed to serve ages 2yrs-6yrs can a child attend under the nursery school grade span requirements until he is 6? In other words: Which comes first as the next grade span: the age of a 'typical' K enrollment for an individual(5yrs old by Sept 1) even if he doesn't leave the nursery school, or the age that my child graduates … Read More
I believe that Kindergarten is still optional in CA. If a nursery school is licensed to serve ages 2yrs-6yrs can a child attend under the nursery school grade span requirements until he is 6? In other words: Which comes first as the next grade span: the age of a ‘typical’ K enrollment for an individual(5yrs old by Sept 1) even if he doesn’t leave the nursery school, or the age that my child graduates his nursery school ( i.e. the school where my son attends is licensed as a nursery school up to age 6) and goes on to another school-probably 1st grade? Thanks for all your answers!
Trish Smith 8 years ago8 years ago
Is the following interpretation of the revised immunization law as it relates to personal belief exemptions on file correct: If a Kindergarten-age child enters Kindergarten on September 1, 2015 WITH a personal belief exemption to vaccinations dated before January 1, 2016, the law does not apply to them UNTIL THEY REACH THEIR NEXT VACCINATION CHECKPOINT which, in this case, would mean until they reach 7th grade?
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 8 years ago8 years ago
That is correct.
Cynthia 8 years ago8 years ago
Just curious, the doctors always ask if my children are allergic to anything before they get an antibiotic. So, since vaccines are mandatory, will they learn about allergies, first? For example, many in our family are allergic to thermisol (it causes us skin rashes and some psoriasis). But obviously not everyone is. So - will they check to see if a child is allergic to anything, or will that require an … Read More
Just curious, the doctors always ask if my children are allergic to anything before they get an antibiotic. So, since vaccines are mandatory, will they learn about allergies, first? For example, many in our family are allergic to thermisol (it causes us skin rashes and some psoriasis). But obviously not everyone is. So – will they check to see if a child is allergic to anything, or will that require an exemption or conditional? (I’m asking due to there are far more vaccines for children now than when my youngest was born, who just turned 18. I know peanut allergies can be deadly so I worry about ingredients the vaccines could be as bad or worse!) As for conditional enrollment – I heard on the news that schools do not have to “follow” that rule; do you know if that is true or not?
Jonah 8 years ago8 years ago
http://sb277referendum.com
This site lists locations in your neighborhood where you can sign the referendum 🙂
Jonah 8 years ago8 years ago
Everyone opposed to this bill can sign the referendum form at locations found here
http://sb277referendum.com
Brandi 8 years ago8 years ago
I think this law is absolutely 100% ridiculous! I have four children and stopped vaccinating years ago after i found out what was really in vaccines and the number of children that were getting sick. This strips parents of their God given right to make decisions that they see fit for their children. I hate California for this and i plan on moving out of this God forsaken state!
Kathy 8 years ago8 years ago
How does this new law pertain to kids already in high school? Also, what about public colleges ?
Ilana LaTeay 8 years ago8 years ago
If my child is entering 7th grade this coming Sept 2015 can a signed PBE keep me from having to get her a dtap vaccination?
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Ilana.
Yes. You may still obtain a personal belief exemption form from the school, have it signed by a doctor or school nurse and your child would be exempt from a dtap vaccination in Sept. 2015. You must obtain a personal belief exemption by Jan. 1, 2016.
Jane
Roxanne 8 years ago8 years ago
I went just now to get my son’s schedule and they would not give it to me even though i presented a doctor’s note with the earliest appointment possible for my child to get the td booster shot. Is that legal we are in San Lorenzo .ca. Isn’t it a law after July1,2016?please help i don’t want my son to miss a week of school…
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Roxanne. That is surprising to me. There is such a thing as "conditional" enrollment, which means that your child has not yet completed all of the required vaccinations but you plan to do so. What grade is your child entering? But in looking into this, I found a document from the California Department of Public Health that defines who can be conditionally admitted: students who "have received some but not all required immunization doses and are … Read More
Hi Roxanne.
That is surprising to me. There is such a thing as “conditional” enrollment, which means that your child has not yet completed all of the required vaccinations but you plan to do so. What grade is your child entering?
But in looking into this, I found a document from the California Department of Public Health that defines who can be conditionally admitted: students who “have received some but not all required immunization doses and are not due for any required vaccine dose at time of entry.” The instructions add that “due doses” may not be delayed for conditional admission.
Here’s the document: http://eziz.org/assets/docs/cdphmemo_2015_4_8_Conditional_Entrants.pdf I’ll look into this a bit more, but it would appear that the seventh grade Tdap booster is a “due dose” before entering seventh grade.
Jane
el 8 years ago8 years ago
Many pharmacies can administer these vaccines and would not require an appointment with lead time, if that works for you and your situation.
Jonah 8 years ago8 years ago
Well I wish my kid didn’t have delays but she does… Hope it’s easy to attain a medical exemption from school it doesn’t list diagnosis that would be eligible to receive one.
Ben Nelson 8 years ago8 years ago
I have questions regarding the types of programs affected by this change. Are public and private schools held to the same standards? I have a 3 year old in a private Montesorri program and would like to know if they have any ability to practice differently apart from state law being passed. More specifically, are they held to the same timeline and grandfathered options as the public schools.
Thanks,
Ben
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Ben.
Private schools and child care centers are held to the same timelines. Your three-year-old would need to meet vaccination requirements upon entering the next grade span. For the purposes of the vaccination law, grade spans are defined as
(A) Birth to preschool.
(B) Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten.
(C) Grades 7 to 12, inclusive.
Jane
Brown 8 years ago8 years ago
I teach young children ages 3-4 years old. My problem is with some parents saying "I don't want my child immunize because the med can hurt my child." They need to do their homework about why immunizations are important. Now are far as parents that have religion beliefs is another concerns. Remember our civil liberties right and our civil rights. Every comment that i have read have great insight about how … Read More
I teach young children ages 3-4 years old. My problem is with some parents saying “I don’t want my child immunize because
the med can hurt my child.” They need to do their homework about why immunizations are important. Now are far as parents that have religion beliefs is another concerns. Remember our civil liberties right and our civil rights. Every comment that i have read have great insight about how they feel about the bill 277. I had read that many of your are doing your homework and remember that we are concerned about the health, welfare and safety of our children and families. You better advocate for your children because no one else will do it or the government will step in and do it for us. I don’t want any children to be sick and or other wise. Lawyers are just standing in the waiting room to make some money. Remember your RIGHTS.
Put this concern in God’s hands.
Danielle 8 years ago8 years ago
What are the legal implications of committing fraud during school enrollment. It doesn’t seem hard to create fake immunization records. If my hands are tied, I will be a criminal!I think the government just created a new black market for fake vacination records. Single parents of limited incomes will definitely looking to this option.
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el 8 years ago8 years ago
If cost is an issue, in most counties there is some way to get free immunizations, even for those without health insurance.
Brigett Silbernagel 8 years ago8 years ago
Good morning I really don’t agree with these vaccinations I’m not even sure if my pediatrician would sign a medical form. It’s kind of funny to me that If the doctors do something like malpractice we can sue them but if they give our children vaccines and I truly believe that’s where autism come from we can’t sue them for that
johnn 8 years ago8 years ago
What if you have a religious exemption in another state and move into CA after Jan 1 2016. Will they be grandfathered in even though it is a religious exemption from another state?
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Jennifer 8 years ago8 years ago
No. The article specifically states that forms from other states will NOT be accepted. It must be a form from California signed in California before 1/1/2016.
Michelle 8 years ago8 years ago
Will titers be considered evidence of immunity? Meaning, if a child has had 2 doses of an immunization and a blood test that shows that they are immune via titer levels, are they required to get all 5 doses on the schedule? Or if they have had chicken pox and can prove it via titers, will they still be required to get the vaccine?
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Michelle.
Interesting question. You might talk to your doctor or a school nurse about whether blood tests showing a level of immunity would be acceptable.
Jane
Kristie Burchit 7 years ago7 years ago
No they wouldn’t. Because this is all about health right? Yeah right!
Truelitistnot 8 years ago8 years ago
There’s one more exemption to the law; moving out of State and there are people doing it, including many educators and people who work in the medical field.
Anna K. 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi. Please give me your pediatrician name and where he is located.
Thank you.
Mari Dantzer 8 years ago8 years ago
Dear Jane Meredith Adams, I cannot find anywhere in the sb 277 law that students with PBEs will be grandfathered in. What I do find in Section 120335 (11) (g) (1) (2) (A) (B) (C) is that these students are required to submit to their school a letter or affidavit by 1/1/2016 in order to be enrolled in the following year. Your article says students w/ PBEs will be grandfathered in, can you show … Read More
Dear Jane Meredith Adams,
I cannot find anywhere in the sb 277 law that students with PBEs will be grandfathered in. What I do find in Section 120335 (11) (g) (1) (2) (A) (B) (C) is that these students are required to submit to their school a letter or affidavit by 1/1/2016 in order to be enrolled in the following year. Your article says students w/ PBEs will be grandfathered in, can you show me where it says that in the law? Here is that part of the law that I find where a letter/affidavit in necessary by 1/1/2016:
(g) (1) A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization shall be allowed enrollment to any private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center within the state until the pupil enrolls in the next grade span.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, “grade span” means each of the following:
(A) Birth to preschool.
(B) Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten.
(C) Grades 7 to 12, inclusive.
Thank you.
Mari Dantzer
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Mari. Legislators have informally used the phrase "grandfathered in" to mean that parents who already have a personal belief exemption to vaccinations for their child, or obtain one by Jan. 1, 2016, will not be affected by the law until their child reaches the next grade span. During the debate on the bill, there was some discussion about whether all children with personal belief exemptions would have to comply with the new law before they … Read More
Hi Mari.
Legislators have informally used the phrase “grandfathered in” to mean that parents who already have a personal belief exemption to vaccinations for their child, or obtain one by Jan. 1, 2016, will not be affected by the law until their child reaches the next grade span. During the debate on the bill, there was some discussion about whether all children with personal belief exemptions would have to comply with the new law before they could enroll in school, regardless of their grade level. That issue was dropped.
You are right to suggest that there is no long term “grandfathering” going on, in that all children will have to meet the vaccination requirements to enroll in public or private schools when they enter the next grade span, unless they have a medical exemption.
Jane
Truelitistnot 8 years ago8 years ago
There are varying and differing legal opinions regarding the 'grade span' issue as well. Not everyone agrees that PBE exempted kids will be allowed to continue after July 1, 2016 without full vaccine compliance. The law is grey on this and you'll likely find that starting in Summer and September of 2016 schools will begin to refuse students without full vaccine compliance. I've already spoken to one school and their legal consultant … Read More
There are varying and differing legal opinions regarding the ‘grade span’ issue as well. Not everyone agrees that PBE exempted kids will be allowed to continue after July 1, 2016 without full vaccine compliance. The law is grey on this and you’ll likely find that starting in Summer and September of 2016 schools will begin to refuse students without full vaccine compliance. I’ve already spoken to one school and their legal consultant has told them to refuse children without full vaccine compliance after summer of 2016, regardless of what the law says, because they are worried about liability issues… parents of vaccinated kids suing over their kids being with unvaccinated kids.
Also, there is the issue that this law is subject to be changed at any time. They’ve already modified it at least twice, and they like will again. Which what will it go? No one knows. They could get tougher on it to legally clarify that there is no grandfathering it, or they could allow the block spanning (Birth to Preschool, K-6, 7-8, 9-12, College-completion).
My guess, considering their real intentions with this law is 100% compliance, is that they will eventually move to block/defeat grade spanning or block spanning as some call it, unless there is a massive retaliation from parents, and thus far the parents haven’t put forth enough resistance to pressure legislators. This is a case where minority gets drowned out by majority and forced compliance will probably occur at each school year via updated vaccine records each and every school year.
So, I would suggest people opposed to this law and similar laws that remove ‘informed consent’ and ‘parental rights’ and ‘personal rights’ either get off their rears and actually fight by writing letters, signing petitions, protesting, calling legislators to voice opposition, or get in line at the doctor’s office to play vaccine Russian roulette or prepare to home-school or move out of California. Because that, pretty much is what it is right now, and what it likely will remain.
Mari Dantzer 8 years ago8 years ago
(g) (1) A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization shall be allowed enrollment to any private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center within … Read More
(g) (1) A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization shall be allowed enrollment to any private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center within the state until the pupil enrolls in the next grade span.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, “grade span” means each of the following:
(A) Birth to preschool.
(B) Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten.
(C) Grades 7 to 12, inclusive.
Kayla Wildman 8 years ago8 years ago
As amended by SB277, Section 120335(g) clearly states that a child with a personal beliefs exemption, once "grandfathered in", may enroll in any day care or school in the state until the child reaches the next grade span. The law is absolutely clear on this point. For children enrolling in a new school, the grandfathered personal beliefs exemption will be physically transferred as a document included in the child's "mandatory permanent record" which is sent … Read More
As amended by SB277, Section 120335(g) clearly states that a child with a personal beliefs exemption, once “grandfathered in”, may enroll in any day care or school in the state until the child reaches the next grade span. The law is absolutely clear on this point.
For children enrolling in a new school, the grandfathered personal beliefs exemption will be physically transferred as a document included in the child’s “mandatory permanent record” which is sent from the child’s old school to the child’s new school.
The mechanism for the transfer of the grandfathered personal beliefs exemption from one day care to another will no doubt be defined in forthcoming regulations.
Bodhi 8 years ago8 years ago
My 3.5yo has a PBE on file at preschool. Is it possible to submit his application + PBE to Kindergarten now, although he won't be starting until Fall 2017? Also, do you have any insight into how they plan to bring non-vaxed children up-to-date "safely" (i.e., how much time are Conditional Entrants given)? Thanks for your help sorting through this nightmare. Ps, my child's preschool has already implemented a policy change to no longer accept PBEs … Read More
My 3.5yo has a PBE on file at preschool. Is it possible to submit his application + PBE to Kindergarten now, although he won’t be starting until Fall 2017? Also, do you have any insight into how they plan to bring non-vaxed children up-to-date “safely” (i.e., how much time are Conditional Entrants given)? Thanks for your help sorting through this nightmare.
Ps, my child’s preschool has already implemented a policy change to no longer accept PBEs despite the fact that CA families are still legally entitled to obtain them. So ugly!!!
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Bodhi. You won't be able to opt-out of the vaccination requirements in advance by submitting a personal belief exemption for your 3.5 year old child to be used in fall 2017 for kindergarten enrollment. On July 1, 2016, the new law goes into effect and a child entering kindergarten in 2017 would be subject to the requirements of the law. As for how much time the school will allow an unvaccinated student to catch up, … Read More
Hi Bodhi.
You won’t be able to opt-out of the vaccination requirements in advance by submitting a personal belief exemption for your 3.5 year old child to be used in fall 2017 for kindergarten enrollment. On July 1, 2016, the new law goes into effect and a child entering kindergarten in 2017 would be subject to the requirements of the law. As for how much time the school will allow an unvaccinated student to catch up, I don’t know if there is a statewide policy on that, but I will look into it. Here’s a link to the state’s vaccination schedule: http://eziz.org/assets/docs/IMM-1080.pdf And interesting to know that your child’s preschool is no longer allowing personal belief exemptions, ahead of the deadline.
Jane
Melissa Forret-garcia 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Bodhi, have you had a chance to sign the Referendum to stop SB 277 yet? I have the petitions and I am a volunteer collecting signatures if you would like to sign. You can reach me at melissaforrest@mac.com.
J.Anderson 8 years ago8 years ago
If we provide a 'permanent medical exemption' letter to our daughter's preschool this fall, does 'the State' obtain it from the preschool? Or, do we have to separately file it with the latter? Does this one filing last throughout our child's eduction? Or do we have to file it at each 'check point' (sounds so orwellian/totalitarian)? If it's a permanent exemption, do we still have to obtain a new one at each check point? Thanks... Read More
If we provide a ‘permanent medical exemption’ letter to our daughter’s preschool this fall, does ‘the State’ obtain it from the preschool? Or, do we have to separately file it with the latter? Does this one filing last throughout our child’s eduction? Or do we have to file it at each ‘check point’ (sounds so orwellian/totalitarian)? If it’s a permanent exemption, do we still have to obtain a new one at each check point? Thanks…
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi. No need to file the medical exemption with the state -- preschools and school collect that information and send it to the California Department of Public Health. As to whether you would need to present the medical exemption every time the child moves from one grade span to another -- with the spans defined as birth to preschool; transitional kindergarten or kindergarten to 6th grade; and 7th through 12th grade -- I'm not sure. … Read More
Hi. No need to file the medical exemption with the state — preschools and school collect that information and send it to the California Department of Public Health. As to whether you would need to present the medical exemption every time the child moves from one grade span to another — with the spans defined as birth to preschool; transitional kindergarten or kindergarten to 6th grade; and 7th through 12th grade — I’m not sure. I can imagine it would be easier for the school district if you presented it every time.
Jane
Janet Lynn 8 years ago8 years ago
Will the Schools/County or California be liable for any
vaccine damage to the child (if there is any?) It seems
to me they’re inextricably involved with possible
vaccine injuries.
Replies
Truelitistnot 8 years ago8 years ago
There is no liability for vaccine damages in the United States. The only thing you could possibly do if your child suffers a vaccine relates injury is to report the incident to the vaccine reaction and injury group, if your doctor will assist you and good luck with that as almost no doctors want to report vaccine reactions, and wait to see if you can get permission to seek compensation in form of money … Read More
There is no liability for vaccine damages in the United States. The only thing you could possibly do if your child suffers a vaccine relates injury is to report the incident to the vaccine reaction and injury group, if your doctor will assist you and good luck with that as almost no doctors want to report vaccine reactions, and wait to see if you can get permission to seek compensation in form of money limited to $250,000 maximum and you would need a pretty sever reaction, something like permanent paralysis, sever brain damage or death to get the maximum award. Schools, doctors, nurses and vaccine companies carry zero liability thanks to the 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act.
Let me state this again so it is clear; In the USA you CAN NOT file a lawsuit for anything related to a vaccine injury or vaccine reaction. The courts WILL NOT allow it. It is actually ILLEGAL for you to file a court case on vaccine injury.
And if you are over the age of 18 and receive a vaccine injury, good luck getting anything.
Truelitistnot 8 years ago8 years ago
By the way, I know this because upon receiving my first vaccinations at age 6 months I received an almost instantaneous reaction, turned blue, stopped breathing, heart stopped and clinically died. My grandmother resuscitated me, no thanks to the doctors and nurses that had no clue what they were doing after they just had killed me. To this day, I still can not file a vaccine reaction report. I have never seen any compensation. I … Read More
By the way, I know this because upon receiving my first vaccinations at age 6 months I received an almost instantaneous reaction, turned blue, stopped breathing, heart stopped and clinically died. My grandmother resuscitated me, no thanks to the doctors and nurses that had no clue what they were doing after they just had killed me.
To this day, I still can not file a vaccine reaction report. I have never seen any compensation.
I also, have a close friend who’s daughter was made quadriplegic with sever brain damage (completely mentally retarded now) by vaccine. She was able to file a report, but 10 years on now… no hearing, no compensation. She has to pay out of pocket for all the medical care her daughter now requires. It has completely financially and emotionally destroyed her family.
That will give you some idea of how protected the medical and pharmaceutical industries are protected legally from people who received vaccine injuries.
el 8 years ago8 years ago
There is a special court for vaccine injuries that is supposed to cover all liability, damages, and claims from them.
Manuel 8 years ago8 years ago
It seems to me that the comments here are totally out in left field, mired in all kinds of allegations about freedom and conspiracies. In the past, we elected, as a society, to have a public health sector that vaccinates children against many of these diseases which used to be a true scourge. Many feel that is no longer a credible threat and wish to not vaccinate their children because "they are healthy." Indeed, they are healthy … Read More
It seems to me that the comments here are totally out in left field, mired in all kinds of allegations about freedom and conspiracies.
In the past, we elected, as a society, to have a public health sector that vaccinates children against many of these diseases which used to be a true scourge.
Many feel that is no longer a credible threat and wish to not vaccinate their children because “they are healthy.”
Indeed, they are healthy now, but if those diseases come back, they will be rather sick and possibly die. (True, there were no deaths in the Disneyland measles outbreak, but there could have been. After all, Roald Dahl’s daughter died in 1962.)
If that were to happen, should those of us who elected to be vaccinated bear those costs?
I don’t think so because those who elected to be penny wise and pound foolish must live with the costs of their decisions. Yes, that means that none of their costs should be covered by insurance programs nor the government. Let them deal with the financial costs of their decisions.
As well as with the human costs, including the death of their precious children.
Sounds harsh, doesn’t it? But this is exactly what they are asking: the right to be left alone when it comes to these decisions. If that right is granted, then they have to be willing to face the consequences alone, too.
(Have they ever seen a loved one struck with polio? Or die because of pertussis or tetanus? It is horrible and maybe that is what we need, as a society, to be shocked back into considering the true cost of this “freedom.”)
Replies
Sasha Blan 8 years ago8 years ago
Before writing this one sided, harsh comment, did you ever stop to think that not everyone is choosing not to vaccinate because their children are healthy. Many choose not to because their children got several vaccination injuries or the child is allergic to the vaccination, therefore, leaving parents with little hope or trust in the doctors that continue to shove it down their throats. Having no concern for the child with the injury or the … Read More
Before writing this one sided, harsh comment, did you ever stop to think that not everyone is choosing not to vaccinate because their children are healthy. Many choose not to because their children got several vaccination injuries or the child is allergic to the vaccination, therefore, leaving parents with little hope or trust in the doctors that continue to shove it down their throats. Having no concern for the child with the injury or the parents they looked dead in the face and said “it is not from the vaccine”. So you are telling people that since they choose to protect their child from these injuries that they should have to reap the percussions of the disease. SHAME ON YOU ! Think before you write. This is not a black and white world…there are many shades in between.
Dawn 8 years ago8 years ago
When exactly did we elect officials to determine our medical needs? FDA is not elected. Nor is CDC. Or NIH. In fact these are corrupted agencies with revolving doors where favors are done for pharmaceutical companies in the form of approving and even mandating medicines (i.e. vaccines) in exchange for lucrative positions working for Merck for example.
TheMorrigan 8 years ago8 years ago
Our California elected officials proposed and pushed this law through our state system based on what the preponderance of the medical evidence suggests. They have made thousands of such laws. In addition, Manuel was not addressing the CDC or the FDA or HIC, yet you based your entire argument on that point, Dawn. The FDA, CDC, and HIC only made recommendations pertaining to this law. Look up the California health and safety codes. There … Read More
Our California elected officials proposed and pushed this law through our state system based on what the preponderance of the medical evidence suggests. They have made thousands of such laws. In addition, Manuel was not addressing the CDC or the FDA or HIC, yet you based your entire argument on that point, Dawn. The FDA, CDC, and HIC only made recommendations pertaining to this law.
Look up the California health and safety codes. There are at least 120 separate divisions and sections. These are all laws pertaining to Californians and public safety. There is nothing new here about these powers. We voted these elected officials (state senators, assemblymen and governors) into office. They are the ones who make the laws.
Beverly Allor 8 years ago8 years ago
"The idea that adults and their children would be forced to submit to being injected with dozens of these organisms and organic fragments is terrifying. No regulatory agency is tracking to see if chronic diseases are rising in the vaccinated, yet we have compelling evidence of a massive rise in all autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and certain cancers since the advent of a dramatic increase in the number of vaccines being mandated. Of special concern is … Read More
“The idea that adults and their children would be forced to submit to being injected with dozens of these organisms and organic fragments is terrifying. No regulatory agency is tracking to see if chronic diseases are rising in the vaccinated, yet we have compelling evidence of a massive rise in all autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and certain cancers since the advent of a dramatic increase in the number of vaccines being mandated.
Of special concern is the finding that many of the contaminant organisms can pass from generation to generation. For example, new studies have found that SV-40, a major contaminant of the polio vaccine until 1963, not only existed as a latent virus for the lifetime of those exposed to the vaccine but was being passed on to the next generation, primarily by way of sperm, something called vertical transmission. This means that every generation from now on will be infected with this known carcinogenic virus. There is also compelling evidence that some polio vaccines manufactured after 1963 may contain SV-40 virus.
What makes the SV-40 contamination disaster of such concern is its association with so many cancers – including mesothelioma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, meningioma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, pituitary adenoma, glioblastoma, osteosarcomas, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, papillary thyroid carcinomas, and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas.
The Federal government has gone to enormous lengths to cover up this association, despite the powerful scientific evidence that this vaccine infected at least a hundred million people worldwide with this carcinogenic virus. And, it took over 40 years just to get this far. Linking vaccine contaminations and immunoexcitotoxicity to the drastic rise in neurodegenerative diseases will probably take even longer because of the widespread growth of entrenched powers high in government and their control of the media, which is equally extensive. The fact that powerful, enormously wealthy foundations, such as the Ford Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Rockefeller series of foundations, are supporting forced vaccination greatly enhances the power of governments all over the World.
These foundations operate in the shadows, influencing legislation and government actions through the World Health Organization and individual governmental bodies. Behind every call for forced vaccinations, mandated quarantines, and home invasions, one can find one of these foundations providing the money as well as experts. Remember, the largest of the pharmaceutical-vaccine manufacturers are also providing much of the money for the foundations and serving on the boards of these foundations. The Rockefellers either owned outright or had controlling interest in all of the major pharmaceutical companies. This has given them absolute and extremely powerful access to the reins of power at all levels. Yet, they can be defeated by the truth.”
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Dr. Blaylock is a board-certified neurosurgeon, author and lecturer. He attended the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana and completed his internship and neurosurgical residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. For the past 24 years he has practiced neurosurgery in addition to having a nutritional practice for 2 years. Retiring from his neurosurgical practice to devote full time to nutritional studies and research, Dr. Blaylock has written and illustrated three books (Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills, Health and Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life, and Natural Strategies for The Cancer Patient). In addition, he has written and illustrated three chapters in medical textbooks, written a booklet on nutritional protection against biological terrorism, has an e-booklet on radioprotection (Nuclear Sunrise), written and illustrated a booklet on multiple sclerosis, and written over 30 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Beverly Allor 8 years ago8 years ago
To the "grandma" that feels so smug about unvaccinated kids not being in the classroom with her grandchild, I have news for you. Your grandchild will be in the company of unvaccinated individuals every time they leave their home. At the park, the zoo, the library, the grocery store, etc. Why are these people so stupid that they don't think about this. Do they really think the only threat for disease is unvaccinated kindergartners at … Read More
To the “grandma” that feels so smug about unvaccinated kids not being in the classroom with her grandchild, I have news for you. Your grandchild will be in the company of unvaccinated individuals every time they leave their home. At the park, the zoo, the library, the grocery store, etc. Why are these people so stupid that they don’t think about this. Do they really think the only threat for disease is unvaccinated kindergartners at school?? International travelers bring shit over here EVERY SINGLE DAY. (Hello, Ebola.) But blame and punish healthy unvaxed kids.
These politicians don’t care about our kids, they care about their wallets…most are bought.
Lucy Hill 8 years ago8 years ago
Is there going to be a law to keep recently vaccinated children out of school, a new study has revealed that it’s them who are spreading the Whooping Cough / Pertussis, the same has already been found with Measles.
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/13/146
“asymptomatic transmission is the most parsimonious explanation for many of the observations surrounding the resurgence of B. pertussis in the US and UK”
Andrea 8 years ago8 years ago
I guess if the government told people they need to jump off a mountain everyone would do it because you’ve brainwashed yourselves to believe that what may seem right is not always right…I say people do your research. If you care about your kids do some research…just don’t follow someone’s rules telling you as a parent what you can and cannot do
Replies
Don 8 years ago8 years ago
I agree with you, Andrea, that we should not blindly follow along and that, therefore, it is only right and proper for the health of one's children to be a parent's primary consideration. So, when it comes to opting out let's put the risk versus benefit of vaccination in perspective with another looming health crisis. Given the large nationwide uptick in anxiety disorders post Common Core there's far larger mental and physical … Read More
I agree with you, Andrea, that we should not blindly follow along and that, therefore, it is only right and proper for the health of one’s children to be a parent’s primary consideration. So, when it comes to opting out let’s put the risk versus benefit of vaccination in perspective with another looming health crisis. Given the large nationwide uptick in anxiety disorders post Common Core there’s far larger mental and physical health danger inherent in your child’s daily experience at school than any chance of a bad reaction to vaccines. By all means fight for your beliefs not to vaccinate if you find it to be a worthy cause. But remember there are more worthy causes, the results of which you may yet to understand for failing to cast a wide net in the safeguarding of your person and personal freedoms.
Desi 8 years ago8 years ago
Do you know if religious exemptions will be grandfathered in as well or will current RE need to obtain a PBE before January 2016 to be grandfathered?
Replies
John C. Osborn 8 years ago8 years ago
Hey Desi,
According to SB 277, regardless of whether it is a personal belief exemption or religious exemption, as long as the exemption was filed prior to Jan 1., 2016, it will apply to the child until their next grade span.
Cheers~
John 8 years ago8 years ago
my child will be enrolled in transitional kindergarten next month August 2015 with a religious exemption. does transitional kindergarten exemption count as kindergarten exemption and the checkpoint is then at seventh grade?
Replies
John C. Osborn 8 years ago8 years ago
Correct. Transitional kindergarten is included in the K-6 tier.
Mammato3 8 years ago8 years ago
This website is very helpful, thank you! I would like to know if anyone can answer how the government can legally bestow privileges (exemptions) on only certain groups of people (families wealthy enough to have only one income, kids with IEPs, homeless children), and not others. What if my child does poorly in a homeschool or independent study situation, but according to existing California law and education codes, she still has a mandated right to … Read More
This website is very helpful, thank you! I would like to know if anyone can answer how the government can legally bestow privileges (exemptions) on only certain groups of people (families wealthy enough to have only one income, kids with IEPs, homeless children), and not others. What if my child does poorly in a homeschool or independent study situation, but according to existing California law and education codes, she still has a mandated right to a public education? Just wondering if anyone else foresees a lot of litigation with this bill.
Angela 8 years ago8 years ago
Thank you. This article makesthe law easy to understand an lays out what I need to do
Emily Fleck 8 years ago8 years ago
Question: My son is 8 months old. If I were to get a medical exemption signed and completed by our doctor before January 2016 would it still be valid when he starts preschool in two years or when he starts kindergarten? Thank you
Replies
John C. Osborn 8 years ago8 years ago
Hey Emily,
You’re correct. As long as you filed a medical affidavit with the state prior to the Jan. 1, 2016 deadline, your child will be covered until they hit the next grade span. In your child’s case, that would be transitional kindergarten or kindergarten.
Leo Meltvedt 8 years ago8 years ago
Will home schoolers receive any state financial aid?
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John C. Osborn 8 years ago8 years ago
Hey Leo,
Not sure about that. I didn’t see anything in the text of the law to that effect. I’ll see if I can find out anything more about that.
Cheers~
Gela Streuer 8 years ago8 years ago
If you go to a Charter Home school program, the state will pay up to $2000 per year which can be used for tutors, music lessons or other ways to enrich your child’s education.
Cherie 8 years ago8 years ago
You say “As of July 1, 2016, all students entering 7th grade will be required to have the pertussis vaccination.” Do you mean getting a booster pertussis vaccination? Or do the ones they already have qualify?
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John C. Osborn 8 years ago8 years ago
Hey Cherie,
According to Section 120335(d) of the Health and Safety Code, a child cannot advance to 7th grade without being fully immunized for pertussis, including boosters appropriate for their age.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB277
My take would be they would be required to get a booster.
Hope that helps.
Jenny 8 years ago8 years ago
I signed a Personal Belief exemption form for my Transitional Kindergarten student the fall of 2014. He is entering Kindergarten this year at a different school. Will I need to get a new exemption form or will he be ok till 7th grade?
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John C. Osborn 8 years ago8 years ago
Hey Jenny,
According to Section 120335(g)(1) of the Health and Safety Code, if your child was in transitional kindergarten when you filed the personal belief exemption, the exemption will apply to your child at any school in the state until they reach 7th grade.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB277
Hope that helps.
TxWarriorMama 8 years ago8 years ago
As a born and raised Californian, now living in Texas, I am horrified at this. We fought a bunch of laws here in the most recent legislative session, and, thankfully, prevailed. The idea of the government making medical decisions for my family is unacceptable. If there are risks (as documented on *every* vaccine insert), there must be choice. This isn't just about vaccines, folks, it is about human and parental rights. … Read More
As a born and raised Californian, now living in Texas, I am horrified at this. We fought a bunch of laws here in the most recent legislative session, and, thankfully, prevailed. The idea of the government making medical decisions for my family is unacceptable. If there are risks (as documented on *every* vaccine insert), there must be choice. This isn’t just about vaccines, folks, it is about human and parental rights. Medical care should not be one size fits all – because it doesn’t.
Another issue with this law – Kids with IEPs are exempt (good for them – I have one with and one without), isn’t it clearly discriminatory against kids who do not have IEPs, since they are not afforded the sames rights and protection as kids with IEPs?
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Gary Ravani 8 years ago8 years ago
Warrior mama: Time to stop "thinking" like a warrior and more like a responsible citizen. The problem with your "analysis" is you have a right to make medical decisions for your family, but not when it negatively affects my family. As they used to say: "Your rights stop right at the tip of my nose." Parents now have choices, which conservative seem to love: Choose to get your kid vaccinated, as science says is most sensible, or … Read More
Warrior mama:
Time to stop “thinking” like a warrior and more like a responsible citizen. The problem with your “analysis” is you have a right to make medical decisions for your family, but not when it negatively affects my family. As they used to say: “Your rights stop right at the tip of my nose.”
Parents now have choices, which conservative seem to love: Choose to get your kid vaccinated, as science says is most sensible, or choose not to attend public school and put my (grand)child in danger. It’s all pretty simple.
Sasha Blan 8 years ago8 years ago
Maybe back in your day when you only got 3 vaccinations it wasnt a big deal. But today it is. Many children are getting vaccination injuries, that we as parents are being told "it is not from the vaccine". We too have rights as parents on what we think is right for our very own child. Vaccinations are a wonderful medical creation, but like all medicine it doesnt work for everyone. And when your grandchild … Read More
Maybe back in your day when you only got 3 vaccinations it wasnt a big deal. But today it is. Many children are getting vaccination injuries, that we as parents are being told “it is not from the vaccine”. We too have rights as parents on what we think is right for our very own child. Vaccinations are a wonderful medical creation, but like all medicine it doesnt work for everyone. And when your grandchild gets a vaccination injury and cant walk because of it, then lets revisit our rights and who is sitting next to who.
Jill 8 years ago8 years ago
You apparently believe your right penetrates actually inside of my children’s bodies! Rather more invasive than the tip of your nose. Back off chucko!
yahaira 8 years ago8 years ago
We should have the right to vaccine our children if we want to….. This is united states of america………..it means freedom!!!!!!!
navigio 8 years ago8 years ago
Currently, if a student stays out of school longer than a certain number of days they get referred to authorities (police, da, cps?). If a student is held out of school due to non vaccination will they face legal proceedings or worse?
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John C. Osborn 8 years ago8 years ago
According to CDE, if a parent files an affidavit with CDE that they will be either enrolling their child in a private school or taking responsibility for their education, then there wouldn’t be an issue with truancy.
Patricia Verdugo 8 years ago8 years ago
I was all for this bill - until I found out how many vaccines are now required turning it into a police state. You can ease up on some of these even my children in they're 40's having children this bill affects and I "was" for it until I saw the requirements. Children do NOT need influenza vaccine nor will I have it and my engineer dad said never in life would he … Read More
I was all for this bill – until I found out how many vaccines are now required turning it into a police state. You can ease up on some of these even my children in they’re 40’s having children this bill affects and I “was” for it until I saw the requirements. Children do NOT need influenza vaccine nor will I have it and my engineer dad said never in life would he take it
In my opinion as long as they get the basics and not 20 some shots this is a ridiculous bill and way too strong turning it into a police state.
I for one will do my best to over turn this bill it is way too strict denying children the education they deserve. Its our RIGHT…..
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Jane Meredith Adams 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Patricia.
The influenza vaccination is not required under the new law. Children are required to be immunized against 10 diseases: diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type b (bacterial meningitis), measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, rubella, tetanus, hepatitis B and chicken pox.
Jane
Rachael 8 years ago8 years ago
Still way too many. One (Polio) is a disease that is virtually eradicated worldwide, and hasn’t had a single case in the US that WASN’T CAUSE BY THE VACCINE ITSELF
Don 8 years ago8 years ago
Rachel, Polio still exists in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria and Chad. If you are against having the Polio vaccine you are joined in the company of the Taliban which has imposed a ban on it. But can I ask you, how is it that Polio has been eradicated everywhere else? One day it will cease to exist if the Polio initiative is fully funded and the vaccine will be unnecessary. The world … Read More
Rachel, Polio still exists in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria and Chad. If you are against having the Polio vaccine you are joined in the company of the Taliban which has imposed a ban on it. But can I ask you, how is it that Polio has been eradicated everywhere else? One day it will cease to exist if the Polio initiative is fully funded and the vaccine will be unnecessary. The world and particularly those who refused to vaccinate will owe a debt of gratitude to those with the social conscience who chose to vaccinate and follow sound medical practice and social practice. Did it occur to you that you’re only able to avoid the possibility of your children becoming crippled because others chose to take the cure when you wouldn’t?
Edwin HInds 8 years ago8 years ago
This website helped me understand my rights as a parent and I am grateful for the information. Personally I am for safe and none toxic Vaccines that have had third party testing. The problem I have is that doesn't excites yet....I do not trust the companies that manufacture them and there studies. Google all the lies and deception that has been caught in. But yet media and Big Pharm keeps control and keep it from … Read More
This website helped me understand my rights as a parent and I am grateful for the information. Personally I am for safe and none toxic Vaccines that have had third party testing. The problem I have is that doesn’t excites yet….I do not trust the companies that manufacture them and there studies. Google all the lies and deception that has been caught in. But yet media and Big Pharm keeps control and keep it from being known. Also the Doctors need to have a reporting requirement by law to report all and any adverse vaccination reactions and that is not in place yet. Plus the Vaccine companies should not be protected by the law. If a vaccine causes damage to a child The manufacture not the Government should be held accountable. Thanks for letting me voice my thoughts
paul k 8 years ago8 years ago
Luckily, our pediatrician has already made it clear that medical exemptions will be easy to obtain.
Replies
rebecca 8 years ago8 years ago
Please email me privately to give me the name of your pediatrician. Thank you!
Brandi 8 years ago8 years ago
I would love if you would e-mail me the name of your doctor as well… Thank you!
Alex 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Brandi,
I was wandering if you obtain the information about the medical exemption from Paul K.
I am referring to his Dr. name & address.
Thank you !
Alex
Jordon Smith 8 years ago8 years ago
Please email me your Drs name. Thank you!
Miko 8 years ago8 years ago
Yes Paul please me too. Thank you.
Anna S 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Paul,
I have a 4 month old. I do not want her to get vaccinated because of the scary toxins in vaccines. It brings me comfort that your pediatrician told you that. Where is is your doctor located in California?
Chey 8 years ago8 years ago
Please email me the name of your pediatrician also, it would be much appreciated.
Rebecca 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Paul!
Could you email me the name of the pediatrician?
Thank you!
(This is a different Rebecca than the previous rebecca that asked you two months ago.
wendy r 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Paul,
As many others have stated, I too would love to have your Dr’s info; at your earliest convenience, please.
Thank you!
Cara 7 years ago7 years ago
Hey Paul,
My husband and I are moving to California from Michigan this week. We have a 4 yo daughter. Would it be possible to get your pediatrician’s name as well?
Slammy 8 years ago8 years ago
I am happy to see the removal of Brown's made-up distinction between religious and personal beliefs. Still, until 2016, people seeking a religious exemption are not required to be informed of health risks and benefits, while people seeking personal belief exemption must document that they have received such information from a health professional. What is a religious belief if not personal? The new law, even with some details yet to be sorted … Read More
I am happy to see the removal of Brown’s made-up distinction between religious and personal beliefs. Still, until 2016, people seeking a religious exemption are not required to be informed of health risks and benefits, while people seeking personal belief exemption must document that they have received such information from a health professional. What is a religious belief if not personal? The new law, even with some details yet to be sorted out in rule making, is a much more reasonable approach to protecting our collective public health.
Rebecca 8 years ago8 years ago
I didn’t see any mention of the restriction on classroom instruction for Independent Study programs. How would this not impact public charters that have homeschool programs?
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Jill 8 years ago8 years ago
I called up California Virtual Academy (CAVA) -- a California charter school that provides free k-12 education to kids in their own homes via the internet -- today to find out their vaccination policy. I was surprised and disappointed to hear that they are (inexplicably) requiring proof of full vaccination for all students. Since the children will not be congregating in classrooms, how is their vaccination status at all relevant to that kind of … Read More
I called up California Virtual Academy (CAVA) — a California charter school that provides free k-12 education to kids in their own homes via the internet — today to find out their vaccination policy. I was surprised and disappointed to hear that they are (inexplicably) requiring proof of full vaccination for all students. Since the children will not be congregating in classrooms, how is their vaccination status at all relevant to that kind of education? I think that is probably illegal, since it is a public charter school, so the exemptions for home-school and independent study should apply: they should not be allowed to deprive more kids of their education rights when their parents are trying to follow the law and pursue home school for their unvaccinated children. However, that was CAVA’s stated position today.
AmandaWen 8 years ago8 years ago
Just a point of clarification. I think the first sentence: "....a bill that says parents can no longer refuse to vaccinate their children based on their personal opposition..." is a bit confusing. The bill doesn't say that they can no longer refuse to vaccinate their children based on their personal opposition, rather it says that if they do their children will not be admitted to public or private school (or K or … Read More
Just a point of clarification. I think the first sentence: “….a bill that says parents can no longer refuse to vaccinate their children based on their personal opposition…” is a bit confusing. The bill doesn’t say that they can no longer refuse to vaccinate their children based on their personal opposition, rather it says that if they do their children will not be admitted to public or private school (or K or 7th grade if they are already in school.)
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Jane Meredith Adams 8 years ago8 years ago
Thanks, Amanda! I have clarified.
Jane
Mrs.Medina 8 years ago8 years ago
Note: Homeless are also exempt from the sb277 mandate Also, I would like for edsource to research the technicalities of how this mandate conflicts with ed-code. We have a saying in the special ed world and that is not to release the district of obligation to meet services by being tricked into homeschooling. (im glad our IEP kids are safe) However, ask yourself this, how will compulsory education be forced if the district who operates under … Read More
Note: Homeless are also exempt from the sb277 mandate
Also, I would like for edsource to research the technicalities of how this mandate conflicts with ed-code. We have a saying in the special ed world and that is not to release the district of obligation to meet services by being tricked into homeschooling. (im glad our IEP kids are safe) However, ask yourself this, how will compulsory education be forced if the district who operates under federal mandate, are no longer able to accommodate a placement from which to be truant from under SARB. Just imagine the caseload OAH has coming down the pike, and are the school insurers ready to foot the bill for such a large amount of legal counsel obligations?
Replies
Mammato3 8 years ago8 years ago
I have the same exact question! That, and how it will be possible to fight this bill because allows privileges (exemptions) to certain groups of people (homeschoolers, kids with IEPs, homeless children) yet not to others. My child will do poorly in a homeschooling or independent study situation...we already tried it, everyone was miserable. She needs her teachers, her classroom, her peers, her legally mandated educational services, just like those kids with IEPs and the … Read More
I have the same exact question! That, and how it will be possible to fight this bill because allows privileges (exemptions) to certain groups of people (homeschoolers, kids with IEPs, homeless children) yet not to others. My child will do poorly in a homeschooling or independent study situation…we already tried it, everyone was miserable. She needs her teachers, her classroom, her peers, her legally mandated educational services, just like those kids with IEPs and the homeless kids. It also discriminates against two-income families who cannot afford to have one parent homeschool. There are so many holes in this law it’s like swiss cheese. I really don’t see it actually happening, it’s blatantly unconstitutional.
Heather 8 years ago8 years ago
Please help confused my son has an IEP. This year he’s going into seventh grade. So is he required to get the shot or is he exempt because he has IEP. Thankyou
Jane Meredith Adams 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Heather. I asked the California Department of Public Health about your son’s situation and was told that in 2015, he is still required to provide documentation for required immunizations or submit a valid exemption (medical or personal belief). There are no changes due to SB 277 until 2016.
Hope that helps.
Jane
Julia 8 years ago8 years ago
What about kids that are still babies but will be entering school after 2016?
Replies
Jane Meredith Adams 8 years ago8 years ago
They will be subject to the new law.
Anna K. 8 years ago8 years ago
When they say that the 7th graders need to be fully vaccinated against whooping couch, it means in addition to all the other vaccines up to that time? Or, only this vaccine is required?
Thank you.
Jane Meredith Adams 8 years ago8 years ago
Hi Anna. It’s not yet clear what, if any, other vaccinations those previously unvaccinated students may have to receive – but it won’t include the hepatitis B vaccination, which is given in a series of three shots. The law specifically states that full immunization against hepatitis B is not a requirement for entering 7th grade. The issue will be clarified in the forthcoming guidance from the California Department of Public Health.
Jane