Vaccinations have become a part of an infant’s well baby health care package today. Still controversy exists around the issue of immunizations, specifically regarding their safety.  Parents who decide to delay, limit or avoid having their child vaccinated may be facing particular challenges when he or she reaches school age.  What should parents know about vaccinations and if they are required in the public school setting?

Should You Vaccinate Your Child?

New parents will be faced with a decision shortly after they have a new baby regarding vaccinations.  While this topic is one that is hotly debated, here is a short list of some of the common reasons parents agree to routine immunizations, while others choose not to:

Reasons to Vaccinate Your Child

Should You Agree to Vaccinate or Avoid Them?

Reasons to Avoid Vaccinations

This is just a sampling of the many reasons why the vaccination issue is a complex one for parents today.  No matter your position, it is clear that there are benefits and risks associated with immunizing your child.  What should you do as a parent?  A good rule of thumb is to read as much of the current and valid research as you can and decide which option works best for your family.  A popular compromise is to delay immunizations until your child is older and/or request that the vaccinations be administered individually rather than bundled together to help minimize side effects.

Public Schools and Vaccinations Required

While there are no federal laws requiring vaccinations, each of the 50 states have laws that do require certain vaccinations for children entering public schools.  The specific requirements vary from state to state, however the most common vaccinations required before starting school include those for:

Routine Vaccinations May Be Reuired in Your State Before Starting School

State Laws Regarding Exemptions from Immunizations

What if you have already made the decision to avoid immunizations?  Do you have any options when it is time for your child to begin public school?  The best starting point is to research the laws of the state in which you live.  While all fifty states do have existing laws regarding school immunizations and in what cases exemptions from immunizations can be made, these laws do differ from state to state.

All fifty states allow parents exemptions from vaccination requirements for medical reasons.  Nearly all states (except Mississippi and West Virginia) allow exemptions from immunizations for religious reasons.  Almost half of U.S. states will also allow what is called a “philosophical exemption” which means that exemption may be allowed for reasons other than spiritual or religious.  Parents could be granted this type of exemption also for personal, moral or philosophical reasons.

The issue of immunizations is a complex one and can be difficult for parents to know how to manage at times.   The good news is that there are several options open to parents to help them navigate this important health care decision for their children as they enter public school.