If a parent chooses NOT to vaccinate their child, then how can their kid start school?

No, it isn't fair that some kids get away with not getting vaccines. But it isn't like your kid is likely to catch the mumps just because a few non-vaccinated kids were admitted into the school. By forcing vaccines on the majority of people, we are making it much harder for the diseases to spread in the event that somebody does catch them.

On the flip side, I would like you to look at it like this: Childrens' religious beliefs are usually forced upon them by their parents. It would not be fair to rob a child of their rights to an equal education simply because their parents chose a religion that doesn't allow vaccinations.

As we bring these kids into our schools they will learn about the benefits of vaccines. Ultimately that will lead toward them seeing that they are accepted, even if they have different beliefs. And they will be more likely to allow their own children to be vaccinated.

By the way: Many schools will allow you to enroll without vaccinations, provided you have or fill out the right paper work. But not all schools allow it - you would have to contact your school personally if you are very concerned about this. And not all towns have private schools available.

Plus, keep in mind that religious beliefs aren't the only reason people choose not to get vaccinations. I know one lady who is convinced that her 13 year old's medical problems were caused by vaccinations when she was young. (the girl is so bad off she can't even live at home with her parents) That lady refuses to let her other children get vaccinated. And my grandmother (a nurse) knew of a few who couldn't get them because of allergies or other medical factors.

And one last thing: You can't shelter your children all the time. If they aren't exposed to different things at school, they will be at the store or at the park or wherever else you let them go. ... ... ... I understand the need to keep your children as safe and healthy as possible. And you did bring up a very interesting question :) But for the most part, I choose not to worry about the vaccination thing too much. My daughter has been vaccinated. I have taught her basics such as washing her hands and not sharing drinks with other people. That's about all I can do for now.

I don't vaccinate my son because many vaccinations aren't properly tested before they're released. They count on our kids to finish the testing. Also, my son has medical allergies and the doctors offices often have no idea what's really in all those vials when it comes down to individual ingredients.

I'm not saying you should share what I think, it's a personal decision and if my son decides to get vaccinated or vaccinate his own children later in life, that's fine. My son started school with a statement saying I did not want to vaccinate him due to a deep held belief that I didn't want to vaccinate him. He deserves to go to school like any other child, he sees his doctor regularly, and let me ask you this. If your child could get the disease even though they're vaccinated, why vaccinate? It's supposed to protect your child, if it's not doing it's job, then it's just pointless garbage injected in their little undeveloped systems.

See? Everyone sees it differently.

a parent, here in georgia can refuse some vaccinations by writing a letter stating why...religion for example is an acceptable excuse and usually the one used. If that child is not vaccinated, yes he is more at risk to catch something, however since your child is vaccinated, I would not worry as he is protected

Parents who do not want their child to receive vaccinations have to jump through a lot hoops to get their way. But some parents do.

You should read some of the risks involved with the immunizations they typically give. Some of the risks are quite scary. Many find that the risks out weigh the benefits. Others find the risks too great.

I don't think anyone should have to immunize themselves or their children. It should be a choice.

And why is it a big deal if a child who hasn't had immunizations with other children who have?

Seems to me the kid with out the immunization would be the one at risk for getting an illness. If your kid is immunized, they won't get the illness.

It's a myth that they aren't allow to go to school.

All the parents need to do (IN MY AREA) is send a letter from the doctors saying they aren't immunised.

If it fair?

Yes, of cause it is. They are kids. Your children have just as much change of contracting the diseases they are immunised against. Just because you children are immunised, doesn't mean they won't get the diseases.

The only difference is (IN MY AREA) is if there is an outbreak of a immunised disease, the children not immunised are asked to stay at home till the out break is finished.

Private Schools have nothing to do with immunisation.

They're called vaccination exemption forms. They're available online or through a local health unit. As long as the parent provides a copy of these exemption forms at the time of registration for school, daycare or extracurricular activity, the child cannot be denied an education, legally.

And yes, it is fair to let an unvaccinated child in with your vaccinated child. You vaccinated to protect your child, right? Therefore, even if the unvaccinated child did get sick with a certain disease, your child is protected..or so you assume so, since you vaccinated. So, why worry?

What isn't fair is denying an unvaccinated child his or her right to an education. That would be like you being denied access to medical care for one reason or another. That wouldn't be fair either.

There are many reasons why parents choose not to vaccinate or to delay vaccinations, ranging from religion to medical reasons, and many parents are not comfortable with injecting their child with 5 different disease all at once or with injecting their child with poisonous chemicals and aborted fetal tissue.

It's a personal parental choice, and what one parent decides to do or not to do should not concern anyone but that parent. You can make the decision for your kids, and they will make the decision for theirs.

You have to get a waiver for it being against your personal religious belief. My mother did this when I was growing up. But I didn't agree with it when I had my children so I got them vaccinated.

Depending on the state/school system they may let it slide and allow the student or may refuse him/her. Home schooling is also an option. I think it would be fair to let an unvaccinated child in school with your kid because if your child is vaccinated he wouldn't be able to get whatever it is that the other child isn't vaccinated from anyway.

All they have to do is sign a form. No one is required to vaccinate their children. If there is an outbreak of a serious illness, unvaccinated children will not be allowed to attend school.

In most places such as daycare, preschool, and school, it is required that infants and children be up to date on their immunizations. However, there is a waiver form that is available for parents to fill out which can be kept in the child's records. This form is typically available at the facility your child will be attending such as the daycare or school. You have to ask for it. When my youngest was born, the chicken pox vaccine was fairly new and was not required when she began kindergarten, but our state law changed when she went to 1st grade. I preferred she get the chicken pox naturally like our older children did, so I talked it over with our doctor who agreed it wasn't necessary to give her the vaccine. She was the one who told me to go to the school office and ask for the waiver of immunization form, which our school gave to me than I took it back to my doctor who helped me fill it out. There are some legitimate reasons such as immune disorders, religious beliefs, and medical reasons why children can not get vaccinated as well as parents who choose not to vaccinate for various reasons. The law reads that children must have their immunizations, but there are forms of exemption you can fill out.