With school starting soon, I’ve been getting requests for the vaccine exemption letter we use. I have this posted within a long post I did on “Why We Don’t Vaccinate”. But, some people have had trouble finding it so I thought I’d post it separately. This one is specific to Illinois so if you live in another state, please check with your state’s requirements first. In Illinois, you have to use the word “spiritual” or “personal religious beliefs” at least three times in your letter. Of course, IL could change their policy at any time, so please check the IL Vaccine Awareness Coalition web site. In IL you can also get a letter of medical exemption written by your doctor. Good luck with that. Some doctors will sign one if your child has some autoimmune disease or something.
When submitting your religious exemption letter, here are a few tips. Get the school physical form that the school gives you (if they need a physical that year). Have the doctor fill out everything else. If you refuse vaccines, they just write over the vaccine section “Refused.” Don’t be scared by the nurses in your doctor’s office either. They are usually totally unaware of the laws because I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked by the nurses, “How will your kids go to school?” I was told my kids would not be allowed to attend school without their vaccines. Wrong. That’s what the pharmaceutical companies want you to think.
Behind this form put your exemption letter. Usually, you’ll have a few other forms to turn in to the school at the same time. Registration info, dental exam, etc. Just turn it in with all of that together. This is better than turning it in separate because it brings less attention to your letter. If ever questioned about your letter, be very confident like you know the laws and your rights. Sometimes it is the school receptionist who is questioning you, and most of the time they have no idea what the laws are. If it’s the school nurse, they are usually better informed. If they are fully aware of all of the laws, they will not give you a hard time at all. They will simply tell you that if one of these diseases were to break out at the school, then you will asked to keep your child at home until it is under control.
In the last 10 years, I’ve never once been asked to keep my kids at home. Why? Because there has never been an outbreak of one of these diseases. If there were, I’m sure we would have gotten a letter home to the class about it. We get letters every time someone has strep. I also believe if there were an outbreak, some nurses may not remember which kids were the ones who were not vaccinated. I’m thinking they are just required to tell us that.
If questioned by a school administrator who does not know the law, they may question your religious belief. This is illegal and tell them so. They cannot question your personal religious belief.
I heard of someone in IL who was denied religious exemption at a Catholic school because she stated she was refusing vaccines based on her Catholic religion (because of the fact that some vaccines are made from aborted fetuses). She should have stated in her letter that it was due to her own personal religious beliefs. You cannot use your religion. They told her that the Catholic church was not against vaccines and therefore she could either vaccinate or take her child out of that school. I believe she took him out of the school. Knowledge is everything!
Some people have asked me about what they should do if they have already vaccinated their child some, but have decided to stop. You can use the same letter. You can have the same life-long held belief, but just recently discovered what vaccines are made of, etc. and just recently decided to stop vaccinating.
I vaccinated my first son on two occasions until he was two months old. I chose not to reveal this. It helped that I switched doctors when he was about a year old or so. When we switched to our new doctor, I just told them that we didn’t vaccinate. I didn’t tell them that we did a couple times, and then stopped. So, they didn’t push to get all of our old records since they mostly want their vaccine records. Or you can get a copy of your old records sent to you, not your new doctor, and not pass along the vaccine records.
We also sometimes to go the Walgreens Take Care Walk-In Clinic for some of our school physicals. Our insurance is terrible and we have a high co-pay so it’s cheaper for me to go to Walgreens sometimes. They have no records. You just tell them that you don’t vaccinate and they will fill out the rest of the form.
Click below for more information about the laws in Illinois pertaining to vaccines as well as some more sample letters. This is the web site I used to form my letter.
IL Vaccine Awareness Coalition Sample Exemption Letters (this web site has since changed their site so the link is no longer valid but google IL Vaccine Awareness Coalition to look around on their web site for other info)
You also want to keep your letter short and sweet and to the point. Don’t over-explain anything. This will just give them more things to catch you on. You don’t need to explain how vaccines are made or give them any stats.
Realize that your letter will probably be read by the school nurse and probably the school principal. In keeping with the law, the school simply needs to keep your letter on file. If you turn it in at a time when the school is very busy and accepting a lot of applications, they may not spend much time on it. The school officials also may not be up to speed on the laws so don’t be concerned if they try to give you a hard time. They will only be doing so if they are unaware of the laws. Your letter is like garlic to a vampire. 🙂 Flash it in their face and tell them to ask no questions. Schools don’t want to spend money on attorneys to look over your letters either. If the letter looks somewhat valid, they should just accept it. The only time they have to worry about it is if they were audited by the state for some crazy reason. I’ve never heard of that happening, especially in IL who has one of the worst records in the country for school performance. They have a lot more problems to deal with in Chicago and the fact that the whole state’s school system is running out of money.
You will need to hand in your exemption letter every time your child is required to have a school physical so that is usually day care, preschool, Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 6th grade, high school, and college, or if your child transfers schools. I’ve used the below letter for the last 10 years at about 8 different schools – public, private, churches, preschools, etc. Never once have I been questioned.
Although, this year there is a new principal at our Christian school and they sent out a rather threatening e-mail that reads: “Families that are non-compliant with completing required immunizations will be referred to the appropriate school administrator and your child may be withheld from school attendance if non-compliance persists.” I laughed.
Last year, their letters would state something to the effect of: “If you choose not to vaccinate, please turn in an exemption letter, etc.”
Our family’s letter:
Date:
To Whom It May Concern:
As parents, based on our personal religious beliefs, we object to the following vaccinations, including but not limited to, Dtap/DPT, HepB, Hib, Tetanus (TB), MMR, Polio, and Varicella (Chicken Pox), for our child, ___________.
Our child’s body is the temple of God. Our family’s personal religious beliefs prohibit the injection of foreign substances into our bodies. To inject into our child any substance which would alter the state into which he was born would be to criticize our Lord and question His divine omnipotence. Our faith will not allow us to question our Lord and God, nor to challenge His divine power.
I Corithians 6: 19-20, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? …Therefore honor God with your body.”
II Corinthians 7:1, “…let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Our objection is based on our lifelong, deeply-held spiritual beliefs based on scripture.
The vaccination of our child violates laws put forth within us by a higher force at the time of conception.
Our personal religious beliefs include our obedience to God’s law, the Holy Bible, and we believe that we are responsible before God for the life and safety of our child, created by God.
Respectfully,
Your name
2016 Update: I have been flooded with emails regarding the new IL laws that go into effect for the 2016 school year. (If you’ve emailed me and I’ve not gotten back to you I apologize! Sometimes emails get buried. I’m more likely to see messages on Facebook.) With the new laws, you will need to get a doctor’s signature on the CDC exemption form. You can print and download the form here but your doctor’s office will also have a blank copy. I filled mine out ahead of time. When it asks you to state each vaccine you are objecting to and the reason for each one, I just wrote, “We object to all vaccines. See attached letter.” Then I attached the same letter I’ve been submitting for the last 12 years (above). You and your doctor then sign the form, and submit the form and your letter to your school. I sent mine in to the school in July and have not heard anything so I’m assuming all is good.
Also, my doctor said they didn’t need to see my letter. They said that was for the school so I’m not sure that you even need to bring it to the doctor’s office. No where in the new law does it say that the doctor needs to approve the letter or your reasonings for your objection. What you and your doctor are signing just states that your doctor has given you information regarding vaccines. The new law states that the school has the right to determine the validity of your religious objection (your letter) but this goes against the constitution I have been told by a vaccine attorney. This is why the new law is so bogus. There is no way to legally establish guidelines for each school to determine if your religious convictions are valid.
So, if your school tries to say that your letter is not valid, you should be able to win that battle. Now what it will cost you in potential legal fees is another story but I would push the school first. They may have to pay for an attorney to get involved as well, and at that point, they may decide it’s not worth the cost to fight you on it. They are in compliance with the law as long as you have an exemption form on file and religious reasoning for declining vaccines. The vaccine attorney I know of charges about $250 an hour. Any and all communication between you and the school should be in writing (e-mail is fine). There really is no need for lengthy discussion. All they need to know is in your exemption letter. You don’t need to explain your religion or religious beliefs. It’s none of their business. You’re required to write a reasoning. They’re not allowed to question it for the most part.
Where some people may run up against difficulty is when they are trying to decline only certain vaccines. This won’t work. You’re either against all vaccines or you’re for them. I don’t know of any way to get around that one. You can try but with the letter I use, it wouldn’t work.
Now where do you go to get a doctor’s signature? I was told by my doctor that Sherman Hospital and Advocate were dropping all of their patients who were not fully vaccinated. Why? Well, because they get money from the federal government for every patient who is fully vaccinated. It’s about money of course. I’ve heard of other doctor’s offices who are doing the same. Luckily, we found one that accepts all patients and is closer than our old doctor. They were happy to sign the form and said they support parents’ choice. I know of at least one Walgreens walk-in clinic that also said they will sign the exemption forms and they did for someone I know. With our doctor, they said they will sign the forms but on the condition that I bring my kids in for yearly check-ups (or that they’re seen at least once a year I’m assuming). I’m good with that.
Hope that helps! And let’s pray Hilary Clinton doesn’t get elected into office. She and her V.P. support mandatory vaccinations.
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I was searching for a sample OPT out form and I found your page.I recently received a letter from the middle school stating that my previous waiver was invalid due to the new CA law.LOL
You said to keep it short and sweet and I thought yours was a little long "sorry"
I did copy some of letter and I thank you very much!!
Here's mine.I repeat a few times but I wanted to be clear
1st Amendment
Vaccine OPT out form
df To Whom It May Concern
I'am exercising my rights under the 1st Ammendant.
Our family痴 personal religious beliefs prohibit the injection of foreign substances into our bodies
To inject into my children any substance which would alter the state into which they were born
My personal religious blkjleliefs are that I'am religiously opposed to all vaccination's
As a parent, based on my personal religious beliefs, I object to the following vaccinations,
including but not limited to, Dtap/DPT, HepB, Hib,
Tetanus (TB), MMR, Polio, and Varicella (Chicken Pox), for our child,
Signature:________________________________Date:_____________________
Did the letter work in California?
California has very rigid vaccine laws. You can’t just write a letter. You need a doctor to sign a medical exemption letter and it’s hard to find a doctor who will sign because they risk losing their license, etc.
Here's my version
1st Amendment
Vaccine OPT out form
To Whom It May Concern
I'm exercising my rights under the 1st Amendment .
Our family personal religious beliefs prohibit the injection of foreign substances into our bodies
To inject into my children any substance which would alter the state into which they were born
My personal religious beliefs are that I'm religiously opposed to all vaccination's
As a parent, based on my personal religious beliefs, I object to the following vaccinations,
including but not limited to, Dtap/DPT, HepB, Hib,
Tetanus (TB), MMR, Polio, and Varicella (Chicken Pox), for our child,
Signature:________________________________Date:_______________________
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Shari,
Thank you for posting very useful resources.
My wife and I want to have religious exemption for our child, now in middle school. How do we do that? Because our child has been vaccinated (due to lack of knowledge) all childhood vaccinations, is it possible to get the religious exemption now for the boosters?
Please suggest.
Thank you,
R Prasad
I am also in the Chicago area. My daughter just entered kindergarten at a Catholic School. The last vaccines she received was when she was 16 months old and actually got the measles from the MMR. So I chose not to get any boosters or vaccines at her physical this summer , EXCEPT for the polio. I caved (I had a screaming 2 month old baby with me and little sleep). What can I use in my letter to the school that would work within IL laws since I cannot say I am opposed to all vaccinations. Can I say that I recently found out that vaccines contain aborted fetuses and am opposed on those grounds? Or should I state my daughter's autoimmune sensitivity? The doctor, of course, gave us no waiver.
Yes, you can still use the same letter. No need to explain why you are now choosing to decline vaccinations. They may ask. Wait and see if they do. Answer nothing in person or over the phone. Ask that they send you something in writing, and respond in writing (or email). The only thing the school needs in order to be in compliance with gov't regulations is that they have a religious letter on file for you. They've done their part. They don't need to make sure your letter is valid by prying into your life or questioning your beliefs. It is illegal for them to do so which is why you want to get that in writing if they do that. They cannot question your spiritual beliefs. Be careful with using your Catholic (or any) "religion" as your reasoning. You want to say your personal spiritual beliefs. They may try to tell you that Catholics are OK with vaccines. That's great. It's YOUR personal spiritual beliefs, not the Catholic church's. If pressed, you can say that you were previously unaware of the ingredients in the vaccines/how they are made etc., and now that you have been educated, you realize it goes against your spiritual beliefs, etc. and you have chosen to stop vaccinating. I recently had someone write to me in IL with the same situation. She used the same letter and was never questioned. Good luck. You should be fine.
Sheri,
You said that the school “doesn’t need to make sure your letter is valid by prying into your life or questioning your beliefs.” However, the new exemption form for Illinois does have a statement that says, “The local school authority is responsible for determining whether the information supplied on the Certificate of Religious Exemption to Required Immunizations and/or Examinations Form constitutes a valid religious objection.” It further states that “the local school authority is responsible for determining if the content of the Certificate of Religious Exemption constitutes a valid religious objection.”
That sounds to me like they are doing more than just having my form on file and that they are now making a judgement call on my beliefs. How would you respond to that? Thanks!
That’s true. I still don’t think they can question the specifics of your religious beliefs. This is where attorneys and anti-vaccine advocates believe this new law in IL goes against the constitution. The state did not give guidelines for “how” the school is to determine the validity of the letters. So, if the school does say it’s not valid, you could fight them on it, but you’d likely want to get a vaccine attorney involved at that point which IMO would be worth it rather than subject your kids to vaccines or homeschool. There’s one in North Carolina. Or just argue back with the school first and see if they back down. If you get an attny involved, then they also likely have to get an attny involved and it costs them money too.
Hi Sheri,
I'm currently serving in the military and love my job. I've received vaccines my whole life, including through basic training, but after having been educated about vaccines I wish to obtain a religious exemption. I've been "threatened" from my readiness sergeant that a religous exemption in the military has not gone through in over 5 years. My chiropractor, and family (whom no longer vaccinate as I have young nephews) have given me some great advise on moving forward with a religious exemption. My question for you is, the military requires a letter written from my spiritual leader. I've contacted my church (Lutheran Missouri synod) and they do not have stance on vaccinations. Do you have any insight regarding a letter from a spiritual leader in addition to my own sworn statement of my spiritual belief?
Hi Sheri,
I'm currently serving in the military and love my job. I've received vaccines my whole life, including through basic training, but after having been educated about vaccines I wish to obtain a religious exemption. I've been "threatened" from my readiness sergeant that a religous exemption in the military has not gone through in over 5 years. My chiropractor, and family (whom no longer vaccinate as I have young nephews) have given me some great advise on moving forward with a religious exemption. My question for you is, the military requires a letter written from my spiritual leader. I've contacted my church (Lutheran Missouri synod) and they do not have stance on vaccinations. Do you have any insight regarding a letter from a spiritual leader in addition to my own sworn statement of my spiritual belief?
Hi! I live in New York and I don't vaccinate my child so the sample letters are great! Thank you everyone! Does anyone know about the flu shot in ny? Can we be exempt from this or does everyone have to get it. My child is 2 and it's being required for all children under 6. If anyone can help with any info I thank you in advance.
Please be careful about copying letters. At http://www.vaccinerights.com there is a warning about form or copied letters being ruled as 'insincere' and therefore the exemption can be thrown out. Use the letters as a guide and then right your own version. Dr. Mayor Eisenstein has an online book for free on this topic also. He is in Illinois and will surely come up in a google search… Thanks for providing this information!
I can't seem to open the sample document. Can you please give me a link to a sample. Im currently registering my son for kindergarten at a private school.
Unfortunately, Dr. Mayer Eisenstein Passed away in December 2014 Before Christmas. R.I.P Dr. Mayer Eisenstein. He will be Missed.
So my son is technically up-to-date on his vaccines. He got all required shots until he was 2. I have not given him any vaccines after and my 4 month old is Vaccine free. My oldest son will be entering in to Kindergarten this school year and as far as I am concerned the new law in Illinois is effective for this school year. I am not for sure if this changes anything. I know you still have religious exemption but you have to submit your letter to the Board of Health and a doctor has to sign this. I know this does not have the doctor liable for anything just that they gave my information. I am just concerned with my son being vaccinated and the fact that now his family doctor has to sign something that they may not accept the religious exemption. How should I go about this?
As far as I know the law has not changed yet. I just dropped off my daughter's vaccine letter today and I haven't heard anything yet. Here is a link to a web site that is staying up to date on the laws and they have not posted anything new so you shouldn't need a signed note from your doctor if you are claiming religious exemption. If you have a link to something saying otherwise, please let me know. Thanks!
http://www.nvic.org/vaccine-laws/state-vaccine-requirements/illinois.aspx
And my oldest received shots up till 2 months old then we stopped b/c we became aware of what was in the vaccines, etc. You don't need to explain anything about that though. Just submit your letter and then have all correspondence between yourself and the school via email only.
Thanks for this very informative blog. I did give the MMR to my children since the measels and mumps were going around in my community a while back. The Dept of Ed is requesting I explain why I did give some shots, why I went against my religious belief. any suggestions on what to respond?
Thank you!
Thanks for this very informative blog. I did give the MMR to my children since the measels and mumps were going around in my community a while back. The Dept of Ed is requesting I explain why I did give some shots, why I went against my religious belief. any suggestions on what to respond?
Thank you!
Hi. I would have to ask you the same question. I know the media made a big scare out of the measles outbreak but you're either against vaccinations or you're not when it comes to opting out for school. Had you already given the school a letter of exemption previously and then after that vaccinated? I'm not sure how you would answer them. Maybe check with the IL Coalition Against Vaccinations web site.
Thanks I homeschool up until now and because my husband really was not in agreement with it. I'm sending my 7 year old out yo public school for the first time. I refuse to vaccinate any further since I have been education about 4 years ago. So your story is very encouraging.
Hi thanks for your blog it makes me feel I'm not the only alien on this planet. Anyhow my son will be 4 months tomorrow and hasn't had any shots since the hospital but I'm curious because I am now trying to submit religious exemption. So do I need to give it to the doctor too or explain anything to her to why I refuse? He's not in daycare either. Thank you
Yes, it is correct that you now need a signed form from a medical doctor to opt out of vaccines whether for medical or religious reasons. We homeschool our children so I wanted to make homeschooling parents aware that this law applies to them also. You MUST have a signed form from your doctor. You don't have to turn it into the school board but you must have them in your files. Here is my question…what do you do if you can't find a doctor to sign the form? I am meeting with resistance in getting a doctor to sign the form. I am a member of homeschool legal defense and am contacting them to find out what I need to do. I don't know if a doctor has the legal right to refuse to sign??? Ugh…
Im in illinois also and have been homeschooling the last few yrs, but my son wanted to return to public school this yr so we signed up for the school where we live now. Well now hes out of school because i refuse to vaccinate him any further than the ones he had before kindergarden after discovering whats in them and becoming educated and realizing the coralation between him having vaccines and becoming autistic. However with this new form for religious exemptions it seems they want a specific religious reasoning for each vaccination listed seperatley that defines where and why your religion is against it. I am terribly confused as to what to put as i have not followed the bible and do not know all its context to write such a detailed letter as they are asking. Also our current dr weve only seen a handful of times for physical checkups is refusing to get back to me regaurding the matter so i have to locate a new dr that is willing to sign such a form or to help us go for the medical exemption since my son already had adverse effects causing him to have autism. These new rules for the religiousbexemption seem like a violation of our naturaul born rights and for parents like me who have not had a strict religious upbringing or do not know the specifics of any particular religion but do have deep spiritual personal beliefs against vaccinations, this is a dilemma. Im just not sure where to go from here. Trying to find more example letters but dont want to coppy specific religious points amd then be questioned about it later amd be tounge tied because i really dont know the exact scripture… Any one with further advice or dr reccomendations for il would be greatly appreciated!
Your link for sample letters seems to no longer be valid. Do you have any other saved pages with example letters? This is what the above link says when i go to it…
Object not found!
The requested URL was not found on this server. The link on the referring page seems to be wrong or outdated. Please inform the author of that page about the error.
If you think this is a server error, please contact the webmaster.
Error 404
illinoisvaccineawareness.org
Tue Nov 17 07:39:22 2015
Apache
Hi! I'm looking for an example of a medical exemption letter. The link above is no long valid. We live in California and with SB277 need a medical exemption. Our physician is considering giving is one but wants to see how the letter is written. I'm looking for the language or verbiage of the letter. Thank you!!
Hello:
Thank you so much for starting a forum and safe place for parents to discuss this highly complicated issue which is absolutely a violation of our rights moral and other wise.
Do you know if we are allowed to write the same response for each vaccination we are opposed to on the new form requiring a Doctors signature?
This law should have never been passed and we should all be writing to Governor Rauner to express our outrage at the bill having been passed.
Many thanks to you again and God bless you for your cause—-
Hi Monica. Yes it is a violation of our rights as parents. Yes, I plan to write the exact same response for each vaccination if that’s what they want. My response is pretty broad so would apply to every vaccine.
I saw Vaxxed last month in Chicago and one of the producers said to not sign the portion that says “I realize that by not vaccinating my child I put other kids at risk…” I don’t know how to get around that tho. I understand that by signing it, you are opening yourself up to lawsuits later. If another child at the school got a disease, they could sue you saying it’s because of your non-vaxxed child, which would not be true.
This law is so new and somewhat vague, that I don’t think anyone knows how it will play out. I think it will be a matter of waiting and seeing what gets through and what doesn’t. Do we have the option of crossing out that section? I don’t know. The producer didn’t say. She just said that that section is illegal and was not supposed to be included in that form. But yet it was. She said they were fighting it. But I have no idea if anything will get resolved before August. My daughter is entering Kindergarten.
If you hear anything else, please post back and let me know.
I have recently moved to IL, from Missouri. The laws here are so much different. I am butting heads at every turn. I currently do not belong to a church and of course they will not allow my child to enter high school. I am a mother of 3, all but 1 has never received vaccines. My son is 15 and had shots till he was two. After receiving his MMR shot, he was never the same and I never continued his vaccines. He has now been diagnosed with ITP, ADHD, along with high functioning autism. I never had a problem all these years opting out of the immunizations, until I moved here to IL. I’m so lost. Thank you for the encouragement through this site. God bless all of you.
Hi I am sending in my sons vaccine exemption and I was wondering if the letter had to be written or if it could be printed?
In regards to signing the Dr’s form of refusal.. Online u can find a modified refusal form
Why are they asking for specific reasons if the nature of the religious exemption was not changed in the law? Can we get away without listing them out and without specific reasons (I only write “against my personal religious beliefs” in my letter and planned to do so in this form as well).
I’m not sure. I attached my letter which I have posted here and wrote on the form, “We object to all vaccines. See attached letter.” It worked for us.
Thank you for such a great blog. I hate this time of the year. My last child is now entering High School in Illinois. Our previous letter at the Junior High no longer works. Before I fill out the Illinois Certificate of Religious Exemption I want to make sure to clarify. I can just list the vaccines and make one broad statement as to my personal spiritual beliefs in a broad statement. Do I still need to mention it 3 times in the letter, which will be short and sweet. Also is the 77 Illinois Administrative code 655.510 still current. Can I quote that and call it a day. Also I previously signed everything TDC, threat, duress and coercion. I think that frees us of any liability. In our letter I have not seen stated anywhere holding us non vaxxed responsible for others catching viruses. I believe its been omitted in ours. It just makes us sign we understand our children can be excluded from school if there is an outbreak.
Hi Stacey. Why does your previous letter no longer work? I used the same letter I’ve been using. The only difference is, this year I also filled out the form and had my doctor sign it. As I stated above at the end of the blog post, I just said we object to all vaccines, see attached letter. I would not want to list each one b/c if you missed listing one that was necessary, they can come back and say, well you’re not objecting to this one so go get it. The new law is very vague which is why many anti-vaxxers were objecting to it. It doesn’t specify much at all so I’m sticking to last year’s guidelines where yes, you had to use certain “religious” wording at least three times. Ridiculous I know. I am not familiar with the 77 IL code so I have no idea if you can just quote that. I’m assuming no since I’ve never even heard of it. I’ve never mentioned TDC either. I just know that how I’ve done has worked in the past and so far, I’ve not gotten a call from the school for this year and I submitted it about two months ago. Good luck!
Thank you, letter turned in last week. School starts tomorrow. I hope this is the last I have to do any of this.
Hi Richelle. I printed mine. I can’t imagine that it would matter. There is a section that says you can attach a letter if you need more room so that’s what I did. I just printed out the same letter I’ve been using. Good luck!
Hello! This is 2016 and I am enrolling my daughter in preschool… She has never had her vaccinations and we do not intend to start now. I am trying to fill out a religious exemption letter and I am truly praying that I do not have to fill out an exemption form from the state, because the wording on this document is sounding very incriminating. I have read horror stories of this document being able to stand up in court as a way to take your children out of your custody for negligence. At first, I read this about the waiver that the doctors and schools make you sign… But now I am looking at the certificate of exemption and it also seems like you are putting your child at risk, as well as others. Maybe I don’t need to fill this out for a preschool, but certainly grade school. Take a look and let me know what you think! https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/forms/religious-exemption-form-081815-040816.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjO7bHlr9rOAhVMJx4KHXOcBbgQFghYMAQ&usg=AFQjCNFL-F21R3dsSUSICbcnF8371TbHNw&sig2=zMtFFUlTvYc_Yt5-4dEwqA
Hello,
I the new religious exemptiom for IL, at religious exemption notice they are keeping us responsible to harm our child and others.
<Not following vaccination recommendations may endanger the health or life of unvaccinated student,others with whom they come in contact ,and individuals in the community.
How can we be keeping responsables for others that are vaccinated if the vaccination is something so great that protect this children? What can we do do not sign it -we can be out of the school!?-or maybe insert something in the exemption letter who can help us in cas of liabilities?
Thank you
I’m not sure but a vaccine attorney said by signing the letter, we are not saying that we may endanger the health of another child. But, I’m not sure. I just signed it. I’m not sure what other choice we’d have, other than to homeschool.
I am already informed. By signed this paper we demonstrate even that we know and with our intention we not vaccinate our child.this open the door for next likely lawsuits and others…
This is again the text:
The issue here is that we have faith in God , not in man-made vaccines. Those who want to deny the existence of God naturally put their trust in mankind, but we sign a declaration on religion exempt,so, we are the believers and we believe that by following God we may not causing harm or neglect nor for our child nor for others.
When a society who does not believe is ready to accept a religious point of view-our right to have a religious exemption, they accept also the risk that they believe that
exist.By trying to limit their risk that they think they have ,these people put us in the situation to show them our faith in God but in the same time, by accepting that we may harm , we demonstrate the contrary, that we have not trust God.
I feel like google might be stifling searches on anti-vaccine stuff- I’m just not finding resources as easily as I once did, but I did find this letter last night that I had not seen before. It’s for California and covers personal as well as religious objections. It is a longer draft, but it is worded very well. Might help inspire some you to write yours… 😉 http://studylib.net/doc/7242668/sb-277-exemption-letter-affidavit—template
Hello
Our kids are enrolled in school and need the religious objection to vaccines signed by a doctor. The last doctor we saw refused to sign it stating she did not agree. How can we find a doctor who does? We live in wheaton. Thanks.
Send me an email at sheridavis205@comcast.net. I will give you the name of our doctor in South Elgin.
Hi!what about pneumococcal and meningococcal? Did you mark this too? Thank you
I just stated that I objected to all vaccines. I didn’t list out each one b/c I didn’t want to accidentally miss one. Then I attached my letter.
Thank you so much for this!
I need a doctor in Chicago who will sign the exemption can anyone refer me to a doctor? Please email me rsi2294@gmail.com
Thanks
JR
JR, try an Advocate Clinic @ Walgreens. I just called one and they said the NP can give the physical and sign the CDC Immunization waiver.
Thanks so much for sharing this info. would this sample letter posted be applicable for flu vaccination as well or just Dtap/DPT, HepB, Hib, Tetanus (TB), MMR, Polio, and Varicella (Chicken Pox)?
Thank you
Yes you can include flu in the list but I just state that we object to all including but not limited to…
Hello! Thank you so much for your great post and info, This is very helpful. I have a question/inquiry: I already contacted three Montessori schools in Chicago area and all of them told me that they are not accepting unvaccinated kids. Do you or any of the readers know school/child care in Chicago area that accept Religious Exemption. My child will be 2 soon. Thank you a lot!!!
My son has a physical form and he previously had vaccinations. Do i give the doctor the physical form with the vaccinations on it and my exemption letter or do i get a new physical form with nothing on it and my exemption letter?
Looking for a new doctor in Chicago that will see my child even though we do not vaccinate, and/or a doctor that will sign the religious exemption form; can anyone refer me to a doctor? Please email me yvee.vonn@gmail.com Would be greatly appreciated!
Send me a message on Facebook at All Natural Mom and I can let you know.
Hi, Yvee!
Dr Paul in Oak Park (I take my child there; very nice doctor) http://thegreenmedicalpractice.com/index.php
Or Dr Tony Bark in Evanston http://disease-reversal.com/ (she is great but expansive)
I live in a small town 3.5 hours south of Chicago. I have called several doctors. None of which will sign an exemption. Will they accept holistic doctors? I know chiropractors will not work. Does anyone have suggestions for this area? Thank you in advance.
Next Generation Pediatrics in South Elgin… Great place to go! If you don’t have insurance it’s $100 for school & sport physical!
Thank you for your article. I live in Illinois and I cannot find a doctor who will sign my form. I don’t have insurance and most doctors offices want a $200 deposit for a physical. Some won’t even give me an appointment if we don’t vaccinate. I can’t find any clinic to sign my form. Any suggestions?
Next Generation Pediatrics in South Elgin… Great place to go! If you don’t have insurance it’s $100 for school & sport physical!
I live in Round Lake Beach Illinois… filling out my form now and may need some Doctors who will sign it… Thank You very much for this article… 🙂 God bless… 🙂
Western burbs of Chicago…. Next Generation Pediatrics is a great place to go.. Just saying …. 😉 Btw, $100 school & sport physical (if you don’t have insurance).
Hello, my daughter attends a Chicago Public school. She is due for vaccines and a physical exam. So far I’ve only read about exemptions regarding vaccines. Can I also include exemption about a physical exam in my letter? Not sure how to incorporate this verbage in the letter. Your suggestions willbe greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I live in new york I’m 8 months pregnant how can I get a vaccine exemption in new York please
Thank you so much for the time and love it take for this article! My kids and I appreciate it really ☺!
Dear Mom natural
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Beause I have a school tomorrow on Monday January 8th 2017
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Hi,
We need a new pediatrician for our 2 young boys and we are having a very hard time finding a doctor willing to help us sign the exemption form. We are in northwest suburbs of Chicago.
Can someone please help recommend someone or place?
Please help!
Hey Fiona did you ever find a Pedi? I’m also located in northwest suburbs, Inverness. Thank you.
I know this isn’t short and sweet, but it has worked for my family for the last 12 years with no questions or complaints for the school district at all.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to request a religious exemption for my children, to the imposed mandate for vaccinations due to strong religious, moral, and ethical convictions, which are supported by medical research, my religious beliefs, and legal precedent.
Medical Research
According to the CDC, no vaccine is 100% safe or 100% effective. It cannot be guaranteed that a person will not suffer a serious adverse event. There is no way to know how an individual will react to a vaccination, either immediately or long term. In this regard vaccination is experimental every time it is given. Vaccines contain Thimerosol (mercury) and formaldehyde, both of which are toxic to the body. Formaldehyde is a known cancer-causing agent. Mercury, even in small amounts, is deposited in the brain. Mercury is a developmental toxin and suspected immune, kidney, skin and sense organ toxin. Formaldehyde (or formalin) is a known carcinogen and suspected liver, immune, neuro, reproductive, respiratory, skin and sense organ toxin. Reported adverse events caused by vaccines include redness, swelling, toughness, pain, itching at the injection site, headache, muscle ache, and tiredness. Serious admitted adverse events include anaphylaxis and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a severe paralytic disease, which can be fatal. Many serious adverse events have been reported to the VAERS vaccine reporting system, although under-reporting is a problem. Some reports include neuralgia, paresthesia, and convulsions; encephalopathy, neuritis or neuropathy, transverse myelitis, and GBS. In addition, many studies have investigated and/or documented other serious adverse reactions to vaccines, including encephalopathy, brainstem encephalitis, serum sickness, polyneuritis, optic neuritis, myelitis, vasculitis, myelopathy, facial paralysis, brachial plexus, neuropathy, reactive arthritis, bullous pemphigoid, polymyalgia rheumatica, uveitis, erythromelalgia, pericarditis, polyamides, thrombocytopenia, ellulitis, and myositis. I do not believe anyone should be forced to accept these risks as part of a mandate to register for school.
Religious Beliefs
As a practicing Christian, I believe that the body is a gift from God and a temple of the Holy Spirit (see I Corinthians 6:19, 20), and that it must not be polluted (see 2 Corinthians 7:1). The ingredients in many vaccines are certainly pollutants to the body. As such, I find it to be in direct contradiction to my religious beliefs to knowingly have these toxic chemicals injected into my children’s body. Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ, Our Creator, is the only source of protection of my children’s body that I can accept. I believe that using the natural resources God has provided, as well as trusting in him for protection, is more than enough to keep them healthy. I believe the immune system is a complex, brilliant, intricately designed system, and nothing that man makes can improve upon God’s design. Antibody levels alone do not offer protection, the many inner workings of the immune system as a whole is what gives the best protection. There is no flaw in God’s design. Injecting foreign toxic substances into the body cannot improve upon what God has made, it can only destroy it. I affirm that vaccination and injections of any foreign substances and proteins conflict with my religious beliefs as stated above. My religious beliefs as a Christian oblige me to follow the judgment of my conscience. Anything I do against what I believe the will of God is for my children’s life/health is a sin. I am called to follow God, even when man is telling me to do something contrary. Vaccinations are in direct violation of one of the 10 Commandments: Thou shall not murder (Exodus 20:13). Aborted fetal cells are used in several vaccines. The 2 cell lines used in vaccines since the 1960’s were developed from 2 aborted fetal cells (babies). The fact that the original cells from which the cell lines were developed, were taken under direct violation of this commandment, should preclude their use by believers. There isbiblical instruction not to partake in “sacrifices to idols” which covers this perfectly. Those babies were sacrificed on the altar of modern medical “science”.We are not to mix our blood with the blood of animals. (Luke 13: 1-5) states that those who mix human blood with the blood of sacrificed animals are ‘sinners.’ A conflict arises to using vaccines if you accept God’s warning not to mix the blood of man with the blood of animals. This is precisely what pharmaceutical industries do by producing the vaccines in animal tissues. We are to keep the blood pure: There are 446 references to “theblood” in the Bible. Throughout the Bible, God refers to the sanctity of the blood and the importance of keeping it pure.Based on these biblical teachings, God would not consider the presence of live and dead viruses, foreign human and animal DNA, mercury, aluminum and formaldehyde in the blood of my children keeping it pure.
Legal Precedent
Laws that require one to be a member of an organized religion with tenets in opposition to immunizations in order to qualify for a religious exemption have been ruled unconstitutional in both state and federal courts. Applicable law has been interpreted to mean that a religious belief is subject to protection even though no religious group espouses such beliefs or the fact that the religious group to which the individual professes to belong may not advocate or require such belief. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended Nov. 1, 1980; Part 1605.1-Guidelines on Discrimination Because of Religion. My legal rights are guaranteed by the free exercise clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Recent court decisions have upheld the rights of individuals seeking exemptions from immunizations based upon personal and religious reasons. On the U.S. Supreme Court level in Frazee V. Illinois Dept. of Security, 489 U.S. 829, it was found that a state may not deny an exemption simply because a person is not a member of a formal religious organization.
Conclusion
Again, the Lord Jesus Christ, Our Creator, is the only source of protection of my children’s body that I can accept. I affirm that vaccination and injections of any foreign substances and proteins conflict with my religious beliefs as stated above. It is a basic human right to have the freedom to decide what substances an individual allows into their own body and/ or into the body of their children, especially if that substance has the potential to cause great harm. Given all of the information I have provided detailing my very legitimate moral, ethical, and religious convictions, I would request that you accommodate my religious beliefs and practices by exempting my children from any and all vaccinations of any kind.
I’m actually very supportive of parent’s decisions regarding their children & vaccines, however I do wonder if there were an outbreak of polio, measles, etc, or the child stepped on dirty old rusty nail which could threaten your child’s life & you know they were exposed…would you vaccinate then to protect them or wait & see what happens based on your faith? The herd effect right now in the US is working great but more & more people seem to stop vaccinating so will this change? Also I think the schools don’t need a long explanation on your religious belief but that you wish to be exempt for religious reasons & know your particular state & school’s policy if there is an outbreak. Just curious…
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What would you do if your kid has to go to the ER and requires “shots” (as defined by a needle in the skin injecting fluid) of some kind: like the IV drip, or medicines, or other kinds of things they would have to give to make your kid healthy/safe again. Would that nulify your vaccine exemption letter, because you chose to allow it on that occasion but not others? What about moving forwards? From my understanding, it is the individual location (school, employer, etc) that keeps the exemption on file, not the Dr who signed it nor the CDC. Is this correct? If yes, then you should still be able to get/use a vaccine exemption form/letter since those locations do not need to know your medical history. Correct? Thoughts?
I am running into a problem where the school district is telling me I have to sign the exemption form where it states “I’m endangering my child…” I wrote a separate letter stating our stance and also how I agree to keep my child home if there is an outbreak. If I sign I would be contradicting myself. Our other school had no issues and my sister and mom have had no issues and they never signed the form. Has anyone dealt with this and if so what did you do?
Just got turned away from walgreens because my kid did not have any immunizations. I live in Illinois.
I have a pediatrician that signs the exemption form, lmk if you still need this info, thanks.
Is anyone familiar with the Massachusetts Exemptions? We are in NY, and they were an absolute nightmare about it. I have a lengthy descriptive letter as to why we request Religious Exemption, but am curious and welcoming any help from people in Massachusetts.
Mass has been fairly easy. I simply send in the law and that I am requesting religious exemption under the law. I have not had to explain myself thus far.
Hi everyone,
I’m happy to inform I just enrolled my daughter into preschool using the religious exemption form for vaccines. I have a pediatrician that signed the form located in Hoffman Estates. If you would like that information please just reply to me. We kept the explanation short and sweet, mentioned the 1st amendment and brought up religious values 3x. I really thought it was goingto be difficult but happy to report everything was approved by the schooland doc. Thanks for reading.
Hi!! i would love to know the contact of your pediatrician, we are in the process of getting the religious exempcion and we dont have a doctor, can I ask if you wrote a letter or listed a religious reason for each vaccine.
I need so much help please.
I would appreciate the name of the doctor that you go to in Hoffman Estates. Can you post the letter that you wrote? So glad that you were able to get enroll your daughter.